Six Korean youth leaders each received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership program for their commitment to the community and extraordinary leadership qualities. In addition, each student designated a community-based organization of his or her choice to receive a $500 honorarium.
The six students were honored at an awards luncheon, held for all 30 of the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership scholarship recipients at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. In attendance to recognize the achievements of these outstanding youth were keynote speaker Audrey Yamagata-Noji, vice president, student services at Mt. San Antonio College, KTLA morning news anchor, Sharon Tay, Asian community leaders and family and friends of the recipients.
Now in its eighth year, the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership program has distributed nearly $200,000 to deserving Asian teens and community-based organizations throughout Southern California. The program is sponsored by the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC), KSCI-TV Channel 18, and Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP).
"What an honor it is to showcase leading young citizens through this wonderful program," said Scott Frisbie, president, McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC). "These young people mirror McDonald’s philosophy of giving back to the communities in which we do business, and it’s a privilege to help them with their educational endeavors."
"Each year the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership program finds the best of the best to praise with this wonderful award," said J.D. Hokoyama, president of LEAP. "We are a very proud partner of the Asian Pacific Leadership program."
"The Asian Pacific Youth Leadership program provides a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts young people are making to bring about positive changes in their communities," said Jon Yasuda, president, KSCI-TV.
To be eligible, applicants had to be of Asian Pacific heritage, between 15 and 18 years of age, and reside in the Southland’s five-county area of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. Each student submitted a 250-word essay describing his or her leadership skills and community involvement, plus a letter of recommendation from a community organization representative who attested to the student’s leadership ability and achievements. A panel of community leaders and educators reviewed the applications.