2007 Recipients

Eric Antonio Arevalo
Damien High School
University of Notre Dame

There is little doubt that Eric Arevalo will accomplish great things in his lifetime. He graduated with a 4.3 weighted GPA from Damien High School and was the Associate Student Body President, Team Captain of the Wrestling Team, and President of the Spanish Club. Eric also received numerous awards such as being named both the top student from the Science and Math department, AP Scholar, and Scholar Athlete of the Year.

He plans to double major in Pre-Medicine and Spanish at the University of Notre Dame. His decision was motivated by two factors – his personal struggle with Tourette’s syndrome and family trips to Nicaragua where he witnessed abject poverty first-hand. Both sets of experiences made him want to become “a doctor who volunteers part-time for those who lack medical insurance, adequate money, or a sufficient grasp of the English language.”

Lilian Mash
Woodrow Wilson High School
Pasadena Community College 

Lilian Mash possesses the consciousness, passion, and fierceness of a proud Chicana. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was President of W.I.S.E. (Wilson undocumented Immigrant Students for higher Education). Lilian was also active in MECHA, Latinas Unidas, and student government. She is an avid pianist, who plays for her church and volunteers to teach others.

Lilian is committed to serving the El Sereno community. In her application, she states, “My community is a part of my familia, and the problems of my gente are my problems as well.” After graduating, she plans to become a social worker in order to work with the government to provide aid to low income individuals in need of medical assistance, housing, and food stamps.

Bernie Kuan
Yale University
Engineering

Bernie Kuan has varied interests and dreams, but the capabilities to achieve all of them. He graduated with a 4.4 weighted GPA from Mark Keppel High School, ranking 4th in his graduating class. Besides being a stellar student, Bernie was active in school; he was Team Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team, Co-President of Student Advocacy for Voting Empowerment, and Vice-President of the Chinese Culture Club.

Bernie plans to major in Engineering at Yale University because he believes the progression of humanity lies in the hands of engineers. He is drawn to the potential of isolating cancer cells, building artificial intelligence, and building materials that reduce pollution. He hopes to get involved with Engineering Without Borders at Yale. Bernie is not certain which profession he will eventually choose – law, policy, medicine, or engineering. However, as the first son of an immigrant family, he knows he will always find a way to serve the immigrant community. He hopes to continue working with the Chinese America Citizen’s Alliance to provide access to disadvantage immigrants.

Sarah Eunha Oh
Mark Keppel High School
University of the Pacific 

Sarah Oh has an unshakeable, worldly view about her calling in life. She graduated from Mark Keppel High School with numerous distinctions such as being named an AP Scholar and National Merit Commended Student. During her years at Mark Keppel, she served as President of Crown and Sceptre, was active in student government, and participated in Swimming and Waterpolo. She also worked part-time while juggling her academics, leadership positions, and sports.

Declining offers by other prestigious schools, Sarah decided to attend the University of the Pacific because she plans to obtain a Doctorate in Dentistry within 5 years. She eventually wants to open her own practice and travel to developing countries to provide free dental care. For example, she hopes “to help children with cleft pallet be able to smile confidently.” Much of her inspiration has come from humanitarian and missionary trips to Mexico and China with her church.