By John Liu
Northwest Asian Weekly
Mary Yu posing with NAAAP Scholarship Winners (Photo by Eugene Hsu)
The National Association of Asian American Professionals Seattle Chapter (NAAAP–Seattle) held its 35th annual scholarship gala at the Foundry in Seattle last Friday, Nov. 7. At the event, which was attended by several hundred people, NAAAP awarded three scholarships of $2,000. Three High School Leadership Awards went to Leah Shin of Henry M. Jackson High School, Dorothy Jiang of International Community School in Kirkland, and Megan Duong of West Seattle High School.
The keynote speech was given by Mary Yu who is the first Asian American, Latina American, and LGBTQ Washington Supreme Court Justice. The emcee was Natasha Chen, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News general assignment reporter.
During the event, NAAAP also hosted live and silent auctions to raise money for next year’s scholarships, with proceeds totaling approximately $20,000. Silent auction items included items a Seattle museums package, a spa day, and a Seattle experience package. Live auction items included volunteer help from NAAAP members, resume review and interview tips, and a private wine tasting for 20.
There was also a raffle to support next year’s scholarships. The evening ended with a “dessert dash,” where tables placed bids to have first choice of dessert. (end)