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Sixteen High School Seniors from Los Angeles Selected as 2013 Milken Scholars

Chosen from hundreds of nominations, the Scholars will be honored at a recognition ceremony and dinner on Saturday, July 27, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey

July 15, 2013

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Milken Family Foundation (MFF) announces the selection of 16 outstanding Los Angeles high school seniors as 2013 Milken Scholars. These Scholars were chosen based on their academic performance, community service, leadership and ability to persevere in the face of challenges. They will be formally honored at a ceremony and dinner in Marina del Rey on Saturday, July 27.

Each Scholar will receive a $10,000 scholarship plus opportunities for ongoing mentoring, assistance with internships, opportunities for community service, and access to a wide range of resources for their academic and professional careers. “These remarkable students have already proven they have the capacity to change the world for the better,” notes the program’s director, Gregory Milken. “The Milken Scholars program provides them with the support to develop their potential and become tomorrow’s leaders.”

The 2013 Los Angeles Milken Scholars are:

• Devon Bankler-Jukes, Marymount High School, will attend the University of Pennsylvania
• Sarah Hsu, Glen A. Wilson High School, will attend Brown
• Isiah Iniguez, Lawndale High School, will attend Brown
• Blessing Haeeun Jee, Grover Cleveland High School, will attend Harvard
• Chiyoung Kim, North Hollywood High School’s Gifted Magnet, will attend Harvard
• Yuen Ting Kelly Lau, Mark Keppel High School, will attend Princeton
• Steven Lee, Herbert Hoover High School, will attend Northwestern
• Hamidah Mahmud,  Granada Hills Charter High School, will attend Harvard
• Sepora Makabeh, Milken Community High School, will attend Washington University in St. Louis
• Peter Nguyen, Saugus High School, will attend UC Berkeley
• Thomas Rivera, Bishop Amat Memorial High School, will attend Pomona College
• Luzdary Ruelas,  Schurr High School, will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Shirin Salehi, Chaminade College Preparatory High School, will attend Stanford
• Dale Tager, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, will attend Yale
• Steven Tan, Gabrielino High School, will attend UC Berkeley
• Pavin Trinh, Gabrielino High School, will attend Stanford

This year’s Los Angeles Milken Scholars class includes seven valedictorians, three National Merit Finalists, and the captain of the nation’s championship Academic Decathlon team.  Several have conducted groundbreaking research at the university level. They are state and national award winners in Latin, Speech and Debate, Science Olympiad, National Moot Court, Science Olympiad and writing.  The class includes a Spanish Spelling Bee Champion, a recipient of both the President’s National Educational Excellence and Volunteer Service Awards, the 2013 Distinguished Young Woman of Los Angeles and state first runner-up, and a two-time National Ballroom Dancing Competition Finalist who appeared on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Throughout their college careers, Milken Scholars are in regular communication with MFF staff, mentors, and with one another.  Every summer, Scholars participate in a three-day annual Summit in Los Angeles, where MFF staff and a range of distinguished speakers provide a forum for the participants to discuss issues crucial to their personal, academic and professional success. The Summit also provides an opportunity for the Scholars to form and renew friendships, reflect on their personal growth and exchange ideas and aspirations.

Since its founding in 1989 by Lori and Michael Milken, the Milken Scholars program has supported more than 300 Scholars from diverse backgrounds.  Many were the first in their families to attend college.  Nearly one-third were born outside the United States and three-quarters have parents originating from more than 50 countries.

The class of 2013 Milken Scholars is composed of the Los Angeles students as well as eight recipients from New York City.  Milken Scholars are selected in their senior year of high school through a rigorous nomination, application review and interview process.  Nominations are based on the following criteria:

• Minimum grade point average of 3.6 (unweighted) or 90% in all academic high school subject areas
• Minimum composite SAT I Reasoning score of 1850 with results submitted for Critical Reading, Math, and Writing, or a minimum ACT score of 28
• Active participation in community service activities
• A record of leadership
• Financial or other obstacles
• Admission to a four-year college or university prior to final selection
• United States Citizenship or Permanent Residency

“The Milken Scholars program is synonymous with opportunity, not only to embark upon your wildest dreams but also the freedom from fear, restriction or hindrance of any kind,” shared 1999 Milken Scholar Alexandra Lutoshkina.  “The program brings together a group of individuals that make you feel right at home, whether you want to become a nuclear physicist or an aid worker. Under the Milken Family umbrella, Scholars receive a level of love, support and guidance that is beyond measure.  In return, the Milken Scholars dedicate their lives to serving others by becoming leaders in the communities and changing the world around them.”

For details about the Milken Scholars program, visit http://www.milkenscholars.org.  

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Introducing the 2013 Los Angeles Milken Scholars

Devon Bankler-Jukes

Devon Bankler-Jukes’ character, maturity, wisdom and unfailing optimistic demeanor inspire not just students, noted a college counselor at Marymount High School, but everyone with whom she comes in contact. “Fundamentally recognizing that every juncture in life is an opportunity to become better or bitter, Devon consistently and without fail, chooses the former.” Devon has established herself as a leader “whose presence is felt in every nook of the school’s campus.” For two years she served as president of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Club which made and distributed hundreds of sandwiches each month to the homeless. “Even a small club, at one school, doing one small thing, can make a huge difference,” Devon observed. She was selected to represent her high school at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference. A member of the National Honor Society, she was an award-winning Model United Nations participant, led retreat teams, captained the varsity softball team, and was chosen as a leadership conference speaker. Devon volunteers as a peer mentor and group leader at her church, where she has coordinated and led confirmation classes since her junior year. She shared, “I act as a connector to the kids as I am closest to their age, and help them with the difficult process of finding faith.” Every other Saturday, Devon volunteers at the Karma Dog Rescue where she offers care for neglected and abused animals. Her summers are filled as a YMCA camp counselor and as an intern at a rheumatologist’s office where Devon shadows the doctor, works with patients, and expands her medical knowledge. This fall, Devon heads to the University of Pennsylvania with the goal to become a veterinarian.

Sarah Hsu

Sarah Hsu’s academic prowess is evidenced by her long list of honors which include National Merit Finalist, National AP Scholar, and Coca Cola Scholars Program Semifinalist.  Teachers at Glen A. Wilson High School acknowledge with amazement that in addition to a full load of AP courses, Sarah self-studied and passed four additional AP exams. In recognition of her scholarship, leadership and talent, she was named the 2013 Distinguished Young Woman of Los Angeles, and first runner-up in the state. Sarah was a Spanish Spelling Bee champion and organized a Stanford Math Tournament Team. At Wilson, she founded and was president of the World Vision Juniors Program to help children in developing countries, and initiated the school’s first environmental club. Sarah later expanded the environmental club into a nonprofit foundation which actively engaged 13 clubs across the city in eco-friendly activities. An award-winning dancer, she was captain of the school’s team and performs professionally. Skilled in both piano and flute, Sarah is First Flute in the Buddha’s Light Youth Symphony Orchestra. For years, Sarah has donated her hair to the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, and volunteered more than 300 hours in the operating room at Garfield Medical Center where she was honored as the top student for the Center’s Future Physicians Summer Camp. She was selected as a cancer research intern at the Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope. With an aspiration to become a physician, she has enrolled in Brown’s prestigious eight-year bachelors/medical degree program. Sarah believes that the best doctors “work for the feeling of knowing that they’ve won their patient’s trust, earned another ‘thank you,’ or erased a patient’s worry and given them hope.”

Isiah Iniguez

Lawndale High School’s class salutatorian, Isiah Iniguez, will be the first in his family to attend a four-year college when he heads to Brown to study international relations. His honors include Discus Awards recipient, QuestBridge National Match Finalist, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, South Central Scholar, Liner Scholar and Posse Foundation Finalist. Isiah points to overcoming adversities as the catalyst for his strong desire to assist others. “I have built so many dreams, and they all connect with me helping the world.” “Isiah is filled with an insatiable thirst for learning and a faithful dedication to philanthropy,” notes his Honors Geometry teacher. “He takes the knowledge that he receives and gives it back to his classmates by tutoring and mentoring.” Through the Reading Partners program, he helped three struggling elementary students improve by at least two grade levels. “Isiah is extremely collaborative as he delegates work and takes leadership roles naturally,” observed his AP English teacher. He successfully balances his education with academics, school leadership and volunteerism, all while holding down a part-time job. Isiah’s leadership roles include co-founding the school’s Make-A-Wish club, serving as president of the California Scholarship Federation club, and holding multiple offices in the Associated Student Body organization. In the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, he was elected vice president for both junior and senior year and was recognized with the Best All Around and Most Valuable Player awards for three consecutive years. Through his involvement with the M.E.Ch.A campus group, he deepened his understanding of Hispanic culture and traditions, realizing he has an opportunity and responsibility to become a Latino role model.  “I see myself traveling to third-world countries helping families and children.

Blessing Haeeun Jee

Blessing Haeeun Jee, the valedictorian of Grover Cleveland High School and first in a senior class of 675, was born in Seoul, South Korea. A straight-A student since elementary school, she is an AP Scholar with Distinction and earned the school’s Achievement Award for Excellence in Foreign Language. Blessing was editor-in-chief of the school newspaper where she oversaw a staff of 50 and taught journalism to new students. Her numerous journalism honors include selection as California’s 2012 Al Neuharth Free Spirit Award Scholar. To deepen her proficiency, she worked as an intern at a community newspaper and edited a bi-monthly newsletter for the highly selective C5 Los Angeles Youth Leadership Development Program. At the YMCA, she taught a six-week writing class for elementary students and published a monthly newsletter. As a talented essayist, Blessing won the National Korean American Hero Essay Contest and received a special award in the national Donghwa East Meets West Essay Competition. Blessing employed her musical talents as a violinist with the Open Academy Youth Orchestra to bring the arts to inner-city youth. Along with youth from all over the world, Blessing attended the International Youth Media Summit in Serbia to create a Public Service Announcement regarding global poverty. As president of Amnesty International Club, she strengthened her resolve to pursue social justice. “I know that through grassroots movements, change can occur.” She added, “It is the responsibility of those who can speak to do so for those that cannot.” Her counselor observed that Blessing is a “natural leader and activist who truly wants to help others. Her soul is on fire to make change in society.” This fall, Blessing will attend Harvard to study government.

Chiyoung Kim

A National Merit Scholar Finalist, Gates Millennium Scholar, National AP Scholar, Hitachi Foundation Scholar, Nordstrom Scholarship Semifinalist and Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist, academic standout Chiyoung Kim scored a perfect score on the ACT exam. As an underclassman in North Hollywood High School’s Gifted Magnet program, he won coveted spots on the Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Ocean Sciences Bowl and math teams.  Recognitions for his award-winning teams include second in the nation for Science Bowl, third in the state for Science Olympiad, and third in the region for Ocean Sciences Bowl. He was Science Bowl captain, math club vice president, and physics club co-founder and president. “One of Chiyoung’s particular merits,” shared an advisor, “is his willingness to tackle and master completely unfamiliar tasks or topics. He learns with alarming speed and great enthusiasm, tackling challenges with commendable creativity.” A case in point, in preparation for a music competition, he built a violin from scratch during spring break. The depth of Chiyoung’s independent study astounds peers and teachers. His first-place earth and space science project at the 2012 Los Angeles County Science Fair captured the attention of a scientist from Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory who offered Chiyoung a paid research internship to map the magnetic environment of Uranus.  “I was able to experience the thrill of being at the verge of breakthroughs and at a place where very important research was being conducted,” said Chiyoung. For three years, Chiyoung volunteered at a nearby elementary school teaching and preparing students for science competitions. An accomplished writer, Chiyoung won first place in a local essay competition and served as an editor for the school’s creative writing journal. Harvard-bound, he will study biomedical engineering.

Yuen Ting (Kelly) Lau

This fall, when Yuen Ting (Kelly) Lau heads to Princeton to study molecular biology, she will do so with a determination to combine her academic interests with her passion for helping others. Recognized as a National Merit Scholar Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, and QuestBridge Finalist, Kelly is an officer in both the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation at Mark Keppel High School. She was tapped for Crown and Sceptre, the school’s senior honor society, and served as vice president. A pianist since the fourth grade, this accomplished musician plays for church services. “Though Kelly is among the most accomplished students in her class at Mark Keppel High School, what sets her apart is the understanding that there is more to being an academic success,” said an AP U.S. History teacher. “Her academic accomplishments speak volumes, but it is her community involvement that has earned her high praise.” Kelly’s passion for giving blossomed through her involvement in Key Club. She spent all four years as a club member and rose to the position of lieutenant governor in which she provided leadership for 11 different chapters and over 1,400 members. Kelly credits her experiences as an immigrant – she was born in Hong Kong – with helping to shape her character, build tenacity and engrain a drive for learning. The support she received while assimilating illustrated how important it is to lend a helping hand. “I hope to study genetics to better humanity by identifying the genetic causes of diseases and finding treatments,” she said. Kelly is confident that with determination and her enthusiastic heart, she will help make a difference in this world.

Steven Lee

Herbert Hoover High School’s valedictorian, Steven Lee, will be the first in his family to attend college when he enters Northwestern to study political science and business. His interest in government was a catalyst for his term as a student ambassador for the Glendale City Council. As co-founder and co-president of his school’s charter for Junior States of America, Steven was engaged in presenting state assemblymen with drafts of educational changes recommended to benefit California students. While president of the Youth Vision club, he “worked to instill inspiration and aspiration into members to live better lives by providing moral and emotional support.” Steven has “a burning need to set things right. Just one act of kindness in this frenzied world can change a person’s life and it is my goal, my desire, my aspiration, and my life meaning to profoundly impact the lives of people for the better.” Guided by such passion, it’s clear to see why Steven was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a letter of commendation from the Mayor of Glendale, and a certificate of merit from the Korean Business Society. National academic recognitions include the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, QuestBridge College Match Finalist, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor and the 2012 Dartmouth Book Award.  During his tenure as website editor and layout editor for the school newspaper, he learned to embrace the chaos and clamor of rushing to meet deadlines. Throughout high school, Steven held down a part-time job tutoring middle-schoolers. In addition to helping his students achieve high marks, he was “successful in instilling a sense of accomplishment and responsibility in their pursuit for a good education.”

Hamidah Mahmud

Hamidah Mahmud was captain of Granada Hills Charter High School’s Academic Decathlon team, which captured the national championship the last three years, and was valedictorian in a senior class of 1,048. In praising Hamidah’s contributions for its three-peat, the Decathlon coach said, “Teammates view her with a mixture of admiration and awe.  She holds herself to the highest standard, and does so with complete selflessness. Hamidah demonstrates true excellence of character and leads by example.” In dedicating herself to the rigors of the Decathlon, Hamidah realized, “The true prize I’d won was the experience. I’m proud to have selflessly sacrificed everything for the team. Stepping into my final chapter, I can now teach a new team how to give. I can show the members the value of sacrifice. I can show them how to become a family.” Her well-rounded interests and talents are evidenced with multiple awards from debate to art competitions. Hamidah has competed and won in Impromtu, Oratical Interpretation and Congress debate divisions. Since the seventh grade, she has been a member of the senior level art class at the Los Angeles Unified School District Conservatory of Fine Arts and was a finalist in several local art competitions. As president of the school’s California Scholarship Federation, she co-led joint meetings with the National Honor Society.  To lead discussions on Islamic identity in western culture, she co-founded a Muslim community youth group and was an officer of the school’s Muslim Student Association. A hospital volunteer, Hamidah, who has completed over 100 hours of service in the maternity ward, witnessed that “even the smallest actions are impactful.” This fall she heads to Harvard.

Sepora Makabeh

The prestigious Intel Talent Search recognized Milken Community High School's valedictorian Sepora Makabeh with a 2013 Research Report Digital Badge. A Jewish Journal Outstanding Graduate, she earned Milken's Academic Achievement and Kind Soul Awards, the Mitchell Academy of Science and Technology's Mensch Award, and multiple National Latin Exam Awards. Active in science research, she delivered, as a tenth-grader, the keynote speech at her school's Science Symposium, conducted research at UCLA's Laboratory of Neuroimaging, and wrote a scientific journal on white and gray matter volumes in schizophrenia. This work helped intensify her interests, and in the fall she will be pre-med, studying Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis. Sepora additionally served as vice president of Milken's peer counseling and mental health awareness clubs, has been a listener for TEEN LINE, a teen-to-teen hotline, since ninth grade. "In this world and times, we often lose sight of how to speak to others and truly communicate," shared Sepora. "TEEN LINE has taught me so much about life, and so much about myself." She also co-chaired TEEN LINE's fundraising concert, netting over $20,000. But, Sepora's commitment to philanthropy blossomed further when she co-founded the Rose Rios Project, and transformed a nonprofit organization combating hunger and homelessness. By seeing the impact of this unique endeavor, Sepora realized the need for further expansion, and co-founded Milken's Leadership and Business Ethics Program. As a senior, Sepora helped lead the program's introductory course, focusing on social entrepreneurship. In recognition of her leadership, academic excellence, and compassionate service, she was selected to attend the Saban Leadership Conference, and was awarded Global Leadership Connection's Female Youth Leader of the Los Angeles area.

Peter Nguyen

Saugus High School valedictorian and National AP Scholar Peter Nguyen will head to the University of California, Berkeley, to study chemical engineering. “Peter is the rarest of elements—the finest assemblage of star dust,” noted Mr. James Klipfel, the Social Studies Department Chair and AP U.S. History teacher. “He is a real-life Renaissance man” and “had he come of age in the eighteenth century, he may well have bested Franklin.” As a first-generation citizen born and raised in the United States, Peter honors his Vietnamese heritage while appreciating the bountiful opportunities afforded to him in America. The fact that his parents went through extremely difficult times before seeking asylum motivates Peter to maximize every chance he gets and take nothing for granted. He is steadfast in his resolve “to attain my fullest potential rather than idly stand aside as a mere observer.  I want to be able to leave my mark on this world through my actions and by working to help others achieve their own goals.” Peter’s wide-ranging knowledge and strong work ethic made him a valued member of the Academic Decathlon team. He has won honors in math, English, science, literature and art. Peter’s commitment to community service can be seen in his avid participation with the Rotary Interact and Key Clubs, volunteer work on behalf of a children’s food pantry and for his church, and his assistance at a local elementary school. Throughout his high school career, he played doubles on the Saugus tennis team.  Peter’s references identified him as one of the most outstanding students they have ever taught and his guidance counselor shared, “Peter will tackle and conquer any and all challenges.”

Thomas Rivera

“Many student organizations at Bishop Amat Memorial High School were founded by Thomas Rivera,” noted a counselor. This campus leader “brings tremendous energy and creativity to each organization.” As founder and president of The Amat Network, he created a mentoring program to connect underclassmen, top students, alumni and outside organizations to help prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow. His student-led program offers not only academic assistance, but also advice on life. Thomas served as one of the five executive leaders for the school’s Community Leadership Council, held multiple offices in the Associated Student Body, co-founded the Electronic Gaming Club, founded the Speech and Debate Club, and was chapter president of the California Scholarship Federation. He was responsible for organizing an informational AP Night to advise parents and freshmen, and his work on the Community Leadership Council improved teacher and student relations. For the past three summers he served as an advisory board member for academic programs at the Pomona College Academy for Youth Success. In academics, Thomas also distinguished himself as a leader. His awards include National Hispanic Recognition Program, Gates Millennium Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and QuestBridge Finalist. “Thomas is passionate about learning,” said his counselor.” He gets great joy from learning new things and challenging himself. In addition to a rigorous class schedule, he self-studied and passed two AP exams.” Thomas was tapped to participate in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute designed to develop the next generation of Latino leaders, and received an Accomplishment Award from the national Close Up Foundation. Confident that he “can traverse any obstacles that get in his way,” Thomas heads to Pomona to study political science.

Luzdary Ruelas

As vice president of Band Council and section leader for trumpets, Luzdary Ruelas devoted 24 hours a week, for 44 weeks per year, as a member of Schurr High School’s marching band. In addition to her own responsibilities, she mentored new band members. “Band has always been a home away from home for me,” said Luzdary. “It all began in the fifth grade when I held my first trumpet in my hands; I knew I could finally fit in.” Though asthma limited many physical activities for Luzdary, she was able to persevere in the marching band, driven by determination and her “rhapsody for music.” An AP Scholar with Distinction, National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar and QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, she was Shurr’s co-valedictorian, first vice president of her school’s California Scholarship Federation and first vice president of the National Honor Society. As president of the Pi Club, she oversaw a peer tutoring program for struggling math students. Through her involvement with Rotary Interact and volunteering at the Los Angeles Food Bank, and church and city library, she is attentive to the needs in her community.  “Luzdary’s desire to excel academically has helped her to tackle her education head-on. She challenges herself fearlessly and her diligence has paid off by her remarkable progress in all subject areas,” said her counselor. “She continually seeks a diverse breadth of knowledge with a particular focus in math and science,” added her science teacher. “Luzdary is destined for greatness.” She will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study engineering and is interested in creating new technology to diagnose diseases using hand-held devices which are portable enough to use in areas without access to health care.

Shirin Salehi

Though born in Tehran, Iran, Shirin Salehi attended school in Cairo, Egypt, until her family moved to the U.S. when she was a high school junior. While oversees, she was active in the Model United Nations (MUN) and travelled to conferences across the world. When at The Hague, she observed, “Confronting global issues in such an authentic setting has magnified my appreciation for and understanding of other countries and cultures. Thus, when I arrived in the United States and discovered that Chaminade College Preparatory High School didn’t have a MUN club, I created one.” While in Cairo, Shirin spent eight hours a week as a program coordinator and English teacher at a local orphanage. That experience heightened her focus on global equality. “Here lies the injustice whose awareness swims in my blood and presses on my lungs,” she said. A National Merit Scholar Semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction, Shirin received a certificate of honor on the National French Exam as well as earned academic awards in foreign language, chemistry, U.S. History, Integrated Science and Integrated Math 3. She was an award-winning member of the Speech and Debate Club who advanced to the state competition and served as the club’s vice president and a team captain. Her academic advisor notes that “Shirin has really distinguished herself with her dedication to searching out academic interests and research outside the classroom. She has spent the last year networking with professors at local universities. Shirin is currently conducting plasma physics research at UCLA and working with advanced computer control diagnostics.” Interested in nanotechnology that can enter the bloodstream to diagnose diseases, Shirin will study computer science and bioengineering at Stanford.

Dale Tager

AP Scholar Dale Tager is headed to Yale to study biophysics and biochemistry in preparation for a career in medicine. Dale has the ability “to reach the very top achievement levels in the sciences,” said his AP Chemistry teacher. Family health struggles helped shape this class valedictorian’s curiosity for science. “The potential for revolutionary innovations in fields ranging from genetics to stem cell research is something I want to be a part of uncovering,” he shared. “Particularly in the biological field, I am stricken by the notion of personalized medicine, foreseeing an illness before it even hits.” Dale volunteers weekly at a local hospital and noted that his favorite activity is shadowing a radiation oncologist. “Seeing a real-world application of biology, chemistry and physics makes me appreciate what I learn in class and gives me insight into a wonderful profession.” His college counselor observed, “Dale is a student who uses all of his talents and abilities to be the best he can be. He doesn’t allow obstacles to deter him and always finds ways to make the best of difficult situations. He is mature, focused and purposely dedicated.” A member of both the Academic Decathlon and Science Bowl Teams at Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, he served as co-president of the Associated Student Body, was president of the Russian and Jewish Clubs, and volunteers at a children’s day care center.  Dale was captain of the varsity soccer team and the leading scorer for the past two seasons. Yet, he may be more widely recognized for his ballroom dancing artistry. He is a two-time National Ballroom Dancing Competition Finalist, and has performed on ABC’s television show, “Dancing with the Stars.”

Steven Tan

“Writing speeches and researching debate topics give me a new perspective,” shared Steven Tan, a champion debater from Gabrielino High School. Though he qualified for the Lincoln-Douglas  Debates National Competition and earned the Premier Distinction from the National Forensic League, he doesn’t believe that winning is what matters most in this program. “We focused on being passionate about your message. As speech captain, I have been able to help ignite passion for speech for more than 200 people on the team. The best thing is once you inspire one person, he or she goes on to inspire others.” This knowledge became a significant life lesson for Steven as his own passion for science was fueled by the enthusiasm of his AP Biology teacher who helped him realize how much science relates to everyday life. “This isn’t simply seeing the science of the world around me,” he said, “but seeing scientific thought.” Through his teacher’s encouragement, Steven competed in the Siemens Competition, participated in a research training program that enabled him to attend a national scientific conference, and has enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, to study bioengineering.  He is interested in precision medicine delivered via the blood stream through nanotechnology. Steven has devoted over 200 hours of community service as a junior volunteer leader at Arcadia Methodist Hospital and was described by his supervisor as a “stellar example of the kind of community spirit that is so vital to maintain our country’s health.” He was president of the Gabrielino Engineering Mathematics Science Club, an officer in the Health Occupational Students of America club, vice president of the Readers’ Club and active in the Youth in Government program.

Pavin Trinh

After witnessing medical complications, Pavin Trinh, Gabrielino High School’s valedictorian, “discovered not only a calling to go into the medical field, but a newfound sense of vitality and a desire to enjoy and live each day with a purpose.” As a student researcher in Caltech’s highly selective Summer Research Connection program, Pavin worked with avian embryos to study the plasticity of neural crest cells in the development of the heart. During this experience, he grew even more passionate about life’s wonders and magnificent secrets. “Even though the embryo was so small, its significance measured larger than mountains. A single embryo could hold answers to curing congenital diseases, to discovering innovative medical procedures, and to understanding human development.” Pavin, a first generation student, plans to study biomedical engineering and public policy at Stanford. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and tutors students of different grade levels through participation in the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Since his freshman year, Pavin has been a member of Gabrielino’s nationally recognized Speech and Debate Team, qualifying for the state tournament and twice qualifying for the national tournament. The National Forensics League honored him with the prestigious degree of Premier Distinction. The Future Business Leaders of America named him the 2011 Impromptu California State Champion and he was ranked fourth in their national Virtual Business Challenge. “Pavin has, for six years, undertaken the single most demanding role in Mock Trail, that of PreTrial Motions Attorney, and has performed superbly,” shared the coach. As captain of Mock Trial and Moot Court, Pavin led his team to the National Moot Court Competitions where he attained the rank of semifinalist and octafinalist.

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Contact Barbara Bowers at bbowers@mff.org or (310) 488-3994 if you’d like additional information about the 2013 Milken Scholars.  Interviews can be arranged.

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