The Korean Association of Greater Philadelphia, led by President Kyung Taek Kim and Board Chair Keun Woo Han, held its 26th scholarship awards ceremony at 4 p.m. on October 25 at First Presbyterian Church, encouraging and supporting the Korean community’s next generation.
Approximately 50 people attended, including Kim, Han, Scholarship Committee Chair Soo Mok Shim, committee adviser Gwi Ok Lee, Beautiful Dental director Yong Geon Kim, committee members, scholarship recipients and their families.
The Philadelphia Korean scholarship program was established in 1999 under the leadership of the late Dr. Doo Hwan Yoon, a founding member of the association who served as its 20th and 21st president. Yoon, an internist and former Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission commissioner, donated all proceeds from his autobiography to launch the fund. Over its first 25 awards ceremonies, the program provided scholarships to 271 students. This year’s eight recipients bring the total to 279 emerging leaders supported since its founding.
Scholarship Committee member Yoo Ah Choi emceed the first portion of the program. Opening remarks by Han and Kim were followed by a greeting from Shim and an explanation of the selection criteria by committee member So Young Kang. Shim described scholarships as a comprehensive form of education that encourages a strong desire to achieve and a commitment to service, and pledged to continue working to strengthen and expand the scholarship foundation.
Hyun Jung Shim, who teaches law, criminal justice and society at the University of Pittsburgh, delivered congratulatory remarks encouraging the students as they looked toward their futures.
Eight exemplary Korean American high school and college students from Philadelphia and South Jersey received scholarships. Jacob Hong of Abington High School, selected for a Doo Hwan Yoon Scholarship, gave a special viola performance that deeply moved the audience. The recipients shared their reflections in turn and pledged to grow into leaders who connect the Korean community with mainstream society.
The 26th scholarship recipients are:
Doo Hwan Yoon Scholarships: Jacob Hong, Abington High School; Yohann Lee, Thomas Jefferson University.
Beautiful Dental Scholarship: Carolyn Sohn, Council Rock North High School.
JSO Partners Scholarship: Sam Jang, Rutgers University.
Gwi Ok Lee Scholarship: Huixian Piao, Temple University.
Siani Lee Scholarship: Joanna Lee, Lenape High School.
Meta Biomed Scholarship: Sarah Shin, Wissahickon High School.
PECO Scholarship: Joshua Cho, North Penn High School.
The association’s Scholarship Committee plans to continue the program permanently, supporting the next generation of Korean American students as they pursue their dreams.
