Merit Scholarships
by Adrienne Fong
We celebrated Wa Sung's 52nd year of awarding merit scholarships on May 17, 2009. This year we received 42 applications from students who came from 20 different high schools. The scholarships are funded from the Perpetual Scholarship accounts, Wa Sung fund raising events, and the generous donations from individuals. The continued support from the donors, Wa Sung members, and friends of Wa Sung make these scholarships possible every year.
Caroline Yee
After reviewing the applications, GPA scores, SAT scores, letters recommendations, personal statements and essays, thirteen winners were selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship. To honor these students and their families, the Merit Award Ceremony and luncheon was held at the Silver Dragon Restaurant in Oakland Chinatown. For our members who were not able to attend, you missed a delicious lunch, and a wonderful afternoon getting to meet the students, their families, the donors and their families and our guest speaker, Caroline Yee. Caroline is one of our Wa Sung members, a past recipient of a $100 Wa Sung Scholarship when she was a senior in high school and a long time educator of the Oakland school system. As principal of Lincoln Elementary School, she guided the school towards receiving several honors including the prestigious California Distinguished School Award. Caroline shared her life from growing up in Oakland Chinatown, going to college, and discovering all the opportunities that she has experienced. She spoke to the students about following their passion and to remember to give back to the community, especially to remember the Wa Sung Community Service Club. Each presenter gave us an insight of the student's awards, achievements and community service activities. The students graciously thanked the Wa Sung club for the scholarship award and especially thanked their parents for their support.
Attending this luncheon were the following past recipients of a Wa Sung Scholarship:
Caroline Chin Yee, Dr. Richard Lee, Neal Fong, Harlon Fong, Becky Mammon Wong and Alice Chin.
2009 Scholarships
In Memory of Joseph S. Lee Memorial , presented by Dr. Janet Lee
Brianna Pan, Skyline High School, Stanford University, Undecided
In Memory of Dr. Joshua Fong , presented by Lena Fong
Edgar Woo, Castro Valley High School, San Jose State University, Music
In Memory of Richard and Doris Wong Lee, presented by Dr. Richard Lee
Kai Chen, Irvington High School, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Business Administration
In Memory of Dr. Allan Nunn, presented by Lucy Meyer
Norman Yau, Encinal High School, University of California, Berkeley, Business
In Memory of Susie Oi Young Yip, presented by Loretta Siu
Emily Low, James Logan High School, University of California, Biochemistry
Victor and Bessie Mar Scholarship, presented by Victor Mar
Judy Ma, Berkeley High School, University of California, Molecular & Cell Biology
In Memory of Nancy J. Lee, presented by Wilma Wong
Fanny Hoang, Oakland High School, University of California, Los Angeles, Undecided
In Memory of Freeman and Mary Chan, presented by Donna Chan Chu and Russell Chan
Janelle Bitker, Alameda High School, University of California, Davis, Journalism
Al and Becky Wong Scholarship, presented by Becky and Al Wong
May Wah Sun, Alameda Science & Technology Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Undecided
Gordon Lee Scholarship, presented by Mary Lee and Harlon Lee
David Lau, Irvington High School, University of California, Berkeley, Economics
Lena Fong Scholarship (donation by Stephen Woo), presented by Jeanne Chiang
Betty Kwan, De Anza High School, University of California, Wildlife Conservation
Homer Lee Scholarship, presented by Derek Lang
Daniel Chen, Alameda High School, University of California, Berkeley, Undecided
Esther Fong Maynard & Wa Sung Community Service Club Scholarships, presented by Esther Fong Maynard
Chris Han, Castro Valley High School, University of California, Public Policy
Back row, from left:
Betty Kwan, Cynthia Lim, Norman Yau,
Brianna Pang, David Lau, Edgar Woo,
Kai Chen, Daniel Chen, Chris Han,
Caroline Yee, Adrienne Fong, May Wah Sun
Front row:
Judy Ma, Emily Low, Fanny Hoang,
Janelle Bitker