Sophia Chou, a sophomore at Marshall Fundamental School, recently received a rare congressional honor, the U.S. Silver Medal Congressional Award. Rep. Judy Chu presented the medal to Chou who completed more than 200 hours of volunteer service (earned in many places but mostly the Huntington Library), 100 hours of personal development (acting, writing, dance), 100 hours of physical fitness (ice skating), and an eight-page paper on France’s social, cultural, political and economic aspects ranging from ancient times to the modern world. Chou completed this all over the span of a year. The Congressional Award is the highest honor awarded by Congress to American youths (14- 23-years-old). Chou was joined by her family and her counselor, Maria Torres.
ROSE SCHOLARSHIPS
Eight outstanding PUSD high school seniors have been selected as 2023 Rose Scholars by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. This year, the program awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships to eight students who submitted a creative piece that reflects their future dreams, goals and aspirations. Instead of a minimum GPA requirement, applicants were asked to obtain a recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor or community member. Each recipient has been accepted to various universities around the country. Scholarship recipients include Arleth Angeles, Stephanie Barcenas, Giselle Carlos, Katelyn Castillo, Valeria Hernandez and Amina Malone of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School; Naomi Blas of John Muir High School; and Diana Sanchez of Rose City High School.
First published in the May 4 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
