Six Los Angeles Unified Students Awarded Milken Scholarship
Students Awarded for Exemplary Academic Performance and Personal Character
Los Angeles, CA (July 19, 2023) – Demonstrating exemplary academic performance, leadership and personal character, six Los Angeles Unified seniors have been awarded the 2023 Milken Scholars Award. Recipients will receive a $10,000 scholarship and college and career-related counseling. In addition, recipients will also receive assistance in securing internships, community service opportunities and a fund to assist in their career goals.
This year’s Los Angeles Unified recipients include:
- David Lee, Larchmont Charter School
- Dayanara Chavez, James A. Foshay Learning Center
- Eyael Hailmariam, James A. Foshay Learning Center
- Julissa Mendoza, South Gate Senior High
- Jun Woo Shin, North Hollywood Senior High
- Neo Phuchane, Reseda Charter High School
“Congratulations and high praise to this remarkable group of young scholars, changemakers and leaders,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Through hard work and strength of character, these recipients have already established a record of achievement and service to their community. We are immensely proud to call them our students, and we stand ready to see what they will accomplish next.”
As student leaders, these scholars have made contributions in the fields of engineering, robotics, medicine, mental health, the arts, community activism and politics. Combined, these students have been recognized by the Culture of Democracy Summit, the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Youth Council, the Dell Scholars Program, the University of California and the California State University system among many others.
“After more than three decades, the Milken Scholars family has grown to more than 560 Scholars. Each of these outstanding young men and women is a future leader,” said Mike Milken, who founded the Milken Scholars Program in 1989 with his wife Lori. “Lori and I continue to be impressed, year after year, by their remarkable accomplishments and enthusiasm.”
The Milken Scholars Program is a joint initiative of the Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation. Selection for the Milken Scholars Program includes a rigorous nomination, application and interview process. In total, ten students were selected in Los Angeles County, with six from Los Angeles Unified.
“Congratulations to David, Dayanara, Eyael, Julissa, Jun and Neo on their outstanding achievements and for the great honor of recognition for their Milken scholarships,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “That they distinguished themselves in such a competitive national field is truly impressive and I thank them for representing the District so well”.
“I want to send my congratulations to the students who have received the Milken Scholarship Award to help them further pursue their educational dreams,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Through their hard work and perseverance, they have reached a tremendous accomplishment and have made Los Angeles Unified proud. I wish these students the best of luck in all their endeavors, wherever they choose to go and a special shout out to our BD3 student Jun Woo Shin from North Hollywood Senior High School.”
“Congratulations to our students for receiving this prestigious scholarship,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you continue to hone your learning and leadership experiences through this significant investment in your future.”
“I am thrilled for our Los Angeles Unified Milken Scholarship recipients, forging their path forward through education,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “As someone who made her way in the world through public education and scholarships, I know how life changing an award like this can be. More than just funding, the college and career-related counseling, as well as help finding internships and other opportunities, will empower these students to make a successful transition to higher education. As a District, we are committed to ensuring all of our graduates have the tools they need for the life they choose after high school, and we are so proud of these student leaders.”
“I am endlessly impressed by the youth in our school system,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Congratulations to the amazing set of scholars receiving this award, including Neo Phuchane from Reseda High School in Board District 4, whose commitment to issues ranging from student mental health to international diplomacy, and interest in biomedicine inspires my great confidence in the future.”
“Congratulations to this year’s Milken Scholars Award recipients,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Each of these students has shown outstanding dedication to their education and reaching their goals. We are so appreciative of the Milken Scholars Program for recognizing these students and for providing them with this support as they start their next chapter.”
“Congratulations to the six outstanding Los Angeles Unified Milken Scholars,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “We are excited to witness the positive impact you will undoubtedly bring to our community.”
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.
