Compiled by Staff
Northwest Asian Weekly
The Northwest Asian Weekly’s Diversity Makes a Difference scholarship program celebrates young people who are committed to reaching across cultural lines. Students are nominated by their school for being champions of diversity. From those nominations, a judging panel will choose five winners who will receive $1,000 scholarships and a number of finalists who will receive $200 scholarships.
The Diversity Makes a Difference awards dinner will take place on March 28 at the New Hong Kong Restaurant. To buy tickets, visit diversity.nwasianweeklyfoundation.org. Each week leading up to the dinner, we will publish a selection of short profiles of the nominees, in no particular order.
Monica Mosqueda
Senior at Franklin High School
Nominated by Ellen Recupido
“Monica is a compassionate and caring person, excellent student, and a solid, contributing member to our community here at school, as well as the community at large,” wrote Ellen Recupido, a counselor.
She continued, “Monica has done extensive community service, which includes 350 hours devoted to others. Much of this has been done at Dearborn Park Elementary, where she has tutored students, helped teachers, and offered her services with translations, as she is semi-fluent in Spanish. While volunteering at Dearborn Park, Monica has participated in monthly cultural night events. She assisted in setting up the activities, and also helped parents navigate the events and understand what was going on. She was able to use her language skills for several events. When parents spoke different languages, she did her best to communicate and assist.”
In her essay, Mosqueda wrote, “From a teacher’s aide to student mentor, I offered my services because I knew my help could improve the kids’ lives. Over time, I built relationships within the community. I am glad my effort shows the potential of Dearborn Park Elementary. Recently, the school was offered to become an international school. Soon, the district will improve the learning curve, which the students deserve. Being surrounded by such a diverse community is a blessing. I am thankful to have been raised in an environment that is culturally aware.”
Ronald Lam
Senior at Franklin High School
Nominated by Bill Kautz
“Ronald came to me in September for feedback on his college essays and wanted to ensure that his asking for help was not an inconvenience to my personal schedule,” wrote Bill Kautz. “Since Ronald was a new student to me, his college essays provided an excellent glimpse into who he is and his development through the years. One essay was about wrestling and how he used the sport to demonstrate acceptance and non-violence towards an individual who voiced negative comments about his Chinese heritage. After successfully pinning this individual in a match, he chose not to flaunt his win, but instead offered his support and expertise to strengthen that individual’s wrestling skills. By demonstrating his own good through non-violence, he transformed another.”
In his essay, Lam wrote, “During off-season wrestling, there were wrestling clinics hosted by O’Dea High School. I was the only Asian in the clinic, while the others were mainly white. I did not know anybody and it was really scary since I have never been in a room mainly with white people before.”
He continued, “As I was warming up before practice started, I overheard one of the O’Dea wrestlers express his hatred towards the Chinese because of what they were doing to America’s economy. That wrestler then looked at me and shook his head in a negative attitude, since I was Chinese. I was disappointed in what he said, but I decided not to retaliate, but instead attempt to change his prejudiced perspective about me. After practice, I offered to help him with his techniques. He was astonished with what I taught him. He then smiled at me. After helping him, we said goodbye and he told me he will hopefully see me around again. The next day, he invited and introduced me to his circle of friends.”
Cecelia Jackson
Senior at Holy Names Academy
Nominated by Megan Diefenbach
“[Cecelia] carries herself in an incredibly mature and humble manner here at school, while on the track, she is aggressive, spirited, and focused,” wrote Megan Diefenbach, a counselor.
She continued, “While she appreciates the support and encouragement of her teachers, coaches, and family, she possesses that internal drive to independently push herself. She authentically and naturally exemplifies the best qualities of an HNA student and we all collectively applaud her many accomplishments.”
In her essay, Jackson wrote, “The word diversity is precious and so unique because it’s different. Not many people know how important it is to explore their horizons, and open up to bigger and newer things and ideas, but I do. Diversity is important to me because it is a way of getting to know other people better and yourself.”
Valeria Cuellar
Senior at Mariner High School
Nominated by Karen Lee
“I first met Valeria Cuellar in September when she entered my Advanced Placement English class,” wrote Jeff Federer, an English teacher. “I quickly found her to be a quiet, unassuming, young woman — confident, but not interested in the spotlight. Soon she quickly proved that she was a good student, a serious student. It was not until the end of the month when I conferenced with her on one of her writing assignments that I discovered what a truly remarkable, young woman Miss Cuellar is.”
In her essay, Cuellar wrote, “Every morning, as I step through the halls of Mariner, I experience the celebration of diversity, along with the colors of its spectrum. Not only is diversity based on cultural differences or geographical ones, but based on the fact that everyone has a story, their own ideas, and values. Being around so many forms of diversity has allowed me to understand that we all have the ability to shed light through our unique experiences.”
Melissa Centeno
Senior at Mariner High School
Nominated by Karen Lee
“Melissa has demonstrated dedication to being a successful student and developing her leadership skills through involvement in the classroom, the school, and the community,” wrote Sarah McCoy. She continued, “Melissa was an asset to my class, is an asset on campus, and in FCCLA. She is committed to anything she does and I truly believe she will be successful in college and eventually in the career she pursues.”
In her essay, Centeno wrote, “In my school, diversity is everywhere. It is hard to even imagine a community without all the exposure my school is able to provide … Diversity is truly a gift and it is a beautiful experience being exposed to a diverse surrounding that helps people develop a wider perspective.”
Brenda Carbajal
Senior at Mariner High School
Nominated by Karen Lee
“Miss Carbajal has played a major leadership role in our school and our community,” wrote Jeff Federer, an English teacher. “She has a genuine concern for others and is dedicated and committed to her school mates and her community members, as she strives to make her school and community a peaceful and healthy environment in which to grow and flourish.
In her essay, Carbajal wrote, “Being at Mariner has taught me that diversity is important. It’s important because it will help you later on in life. Knowing how to interact with a diverse group of people at a young age will help you later on in life, where making mistakes can hurt you. I love Mariner for teaching me how the world is not surrounded by one ethnicity, but that it takes multiple to become one.”
Rahel Gagaro
Senior at Roosevelt High School
Nominated by Wendy Krakauer
“Rahel Gaguro is a very kind and caring young lady, who smiles even when things get tough,” wrote Wendy Krakauer, head counselor. “She tries to respect the values of others and get along, even if their lifestyle or opinions differ from hers.”
In her essay, Gagaro wrote, “I want to bring the smell of hot spices, the loud Amharic songs, and the white cotton dress to my community. I want to continue teaching anyone who is interested in learning about the Ethiopian culture. This culture is a part of me and I would be excited to share it with other people. Watching the kids at the Ethiopian Community Center learn about the culture inspired me to continue to teach others. I felt so happy when I saw the kids curious to learn and I look forward to continue creating that sort of environment in my community.”
Uma Trivede
Senior at Kentridge High School
Nominated by Roselyn Robinson
“[Uma] is a vivacious full-of-energy type of high school student that manages her homework, volunteer work, and extra-curricular life in a balanced form. She is a highly capable individual who has shown empathy, initiative, and leadership in her work in and out of school,” wrote Mike Papritz, teacher. “Uma helps others see their potential and she is a positive young lady who sees the best in people and with her love for multicultural studies, she will bring a unique approach to understanding the world and its people.”
In her essay, Trivede wrote, “As I embark upon the next chapter of my life into my new college environment, where the diversity will not be the same as my current community, I only hope that I can be involved in promoting awareness and spreading the importance of diversity to ultimately create an inclusive society.”
Austin Lehn
Senior at Sehome High School
Nominated by Hana Schultz
“Austin’s strong sense of self, respect for diversity, and his desire to make people feel welcome is partly his innate nature, but these qualities also stem from his personal experiences,” wrote Hana Schultz, a counselor.
She continued, “Austin is a role model for others. He is cheerful, sincere, open-minded, and non-judgmental. He has been instrumental in helping to create a safe, accepting high school environment at Sehome.”
In his essay, Lehn wrote, “When I reflect upon my years growing up in northern Washington, it’s evident that I transformed from a boy who hadn’t experienced much diversity or culture outside of his local surroundings, to an independent, well-traveled, multilingual culture enthusiast.”
He continued, “Soon I was deemed, ‘The exchange student guy.’ Though the friendships were painful, as I had to watch a new friend leave as each summer began, Paul and I kept our promise and reunited two years later in Amsterdam. During our time together, I thanked him for what he’d done for me. I told him that if it weren’t for him entering my life, I wouldn’t have realized the value of travel, language, and culture. He confessed I’d done the same for him.”
Mirei Yasuda
Senior at Chief Sealth High School
Nominated by Tina Camero
“Mirei is a leader on and off our school community,” wrote Tina Camero, a counselor.
She continued, “Mirei is an active member of our Asian Club this year. Mirei and other student leaders decided to bring this club back to Nathan Hale, so that they learn from each other and also share their cultures with the rest of the student body. This was important to Mirei because as the number of Asian American population grows at Nathan Hale, she wanted to make sure that there was a safe place for them to meet on a regular basis, where they can be themselves and celebrate each other’s cultures.”
In her essay, Yasuda wrote, “Diversity, a range of different things. This defines how I think about each person in the world. Diversity is not only just race, but also all the experiences a person has been through. No one is the same. If we were to live the same life, the world would be dull and progress would be small, if at all. Being different creates values and morals and allows us to bring different ideas together to solve problems. By coming together, friendships and bonds are created and communities are started.”
Jessica Alvarez
Senior at Squalicum High School
Nominated by Aramis Johnson
“[Jessica] is truly unforgettable,” wrote Aramis Johnson, a counselor. “She exhibits determination, drive, and diligence that is a rare quality these days. Her first impression is lasting, as she amazes you with both her charm and intellect. She is not only compassionate about the environment, she is also compassionate for others. I remember her guiding a sobbing freshman who she did not know to my office.”
In her essay, Alvarez wrote, “Diversity in our education or workforce will never be composed of a homogenous group. People from all parts of the world unite in all sorts of places, from schools to corporations, with the hope of not being singled out because of the language they speak, race they are, religion they believe in, or gender that they might identify themselves as. Diversity is derived from diver, which means different, and therefore means that our world is different and we should learn to accept it.”
Hannah Truong
Senior at Squalicum High School
Nominated by Michelle Nilsen
“Hannah is an extremely talented young woman who has actively participated in student government, athletics, and community service. Hannah is quite often the lead, pushes not only herself and classmates, but her teachers and the audience around her to their limits, and it is incredible to watch and see how her mind works.
Hannah has an exceptional breadth of intellectual curiosity,” wrote Michelle Nilsen, a counselor. “In addition to her academics, she shows interest in the world around her, digs for information through research, and then is willing to speak her mind and share her ideas. She is a well-rounded scholar who not only excels in English and history, but also pursues her interests in music, philosophy, leadership, cheerleading, and global awareness.”
In her essay, Truong wrote, “Diversity is more than just ethnicity. Diversity is finding beauty in all the colors of my life and in the lives of others. Diversity is important because it teaches us as much about others as it teaches us about ourselves. Being diverse means being unique, but it is so much more than shades of skin. It is more than just culture — it is creed, gender, socioeconomic background, values, morals — it is everything that defines us.”
Diana Sanchez
Senior at Squalicum High School
Nominated by Michelle Nilsen
“Diana has given of herself in ways that reflect a reaching out and a caring of others, from her work in our community service programs, to her five-year tenure with the Boys and Girls Club and St. Joseph Hospital,” wrote Michelle Nilsen, a counselor. “I find it noteworthy that she has chosen to focus her energies in ways that make a significant difference in the lives of others. I don’t think there is a selfish, me-first bone in this young woman’s body. She is tireless, selfless, utterly responsible, and almost embarrassingly solicitous of another’s needs, wants, and hurts.”
In her essay, Sanchez wrote, “The beauty of diversity is found when people of all backgrounds and experiences are able to recognize and appreciate other cultures. Thus, perspectives are broadened, different viewpoints are uncovered, and collations to problems begin to arise. Overall, diversity is important to continue our development as a society, and to better ourselves as members of this increasingly globalized world.”
Yohan Lara-Aguilar
Senior at Highline High School
Nominated by Holly Tanhueco
“Yohan has served in a leadership role on our school’s Latino Club since the first week of his freshmen year and his contribution has been incredible,” wrote Kiki Tancon, a teacher. “He has led his team in organizing community parties, Spanish language parent information nights, student rallies, cultural celebrations, and several choreographed dances. Without his hard work and determination, the presence of the Latino Club at HHS would look very different.”
In his essay, Lara-Aguilar wrote, “Diversity means growth, and I have grown. I have become a better person thanks to this country that offered me the gift of living in a place where when walking down the street, I get to see and appreciate the different colors of skin, the different ways of hair styles, the different ways of dressing, the different ways of thinking.”
Sydney Matsuda-Fong
Senior at Nathan Hale High School
Nominated by Jeff Jones
“Sydney is articulate about her desire to affect positive change in the world and as she does so, it is clear that it is genuine and deeply rooted within her core values,” wrote Jeff Jones, a counselor. “While typically more reserved, when she talks about her support of social causes, Sydney lights up and exudes a passion that is quite infectious.”
In her essay, Matsuda-Fong wrote, “Differences in race, culture, opinions, and personalities matter, but at the same time, we need to remember who we are underneath all of these. I think one of the most deeply rooted issues is that we don’t think of others equally. We could embrace diversity easily, if we valued each other intrinsically first.”
Jai Anderson
Senior at Nathan Hale High School
Nominated by Marion Howard
“Jai returned to Hale in 10th grade and became a positive and can-do leader,” wrote Marion Howard, a counselor. “She has been active in Diversity Club and our Black Student Union. She works at promoting understanding among various racial and ethnic groups in school.”
In her essay, Anderson wrote, “Diversity to me is more than the appearance of multiple ethnicities. It is the character within those figures that influence diversity, the image that changes because the platform shatters the boundaries of stereotypes and produces recognition across a nation and across the world to the many possibilities of an open mind.” (end)
Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.