Edwin M Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship
With donations made to the Edwin M. Lee Memorial Fund and directly to the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship through the Franklin Alumni Association & Foundation (FAA&A), the Lee Family is grateful and proud to be able to award annual scholarships since 2018, to deserving graduating seniors at Franklin High School in memory of Ed.
From his beginnings as a civil rights lawyer fighting for tenant housing rights to tackling issues related to education, sustainability, immigration, affordable housing, and LGBT rights as Mayor of the City of San Francisco, Ed dedicated his life to making a difference in his local community and ensuring everyone’s voice was heard and included. An alumnus of Franklin High School (FHS), Ed was keenly interested in the success of his alma mater and that FHS students had access and support to pursue both academic and extracurricular goals. Ed inspired each FHS student to, “live your lives boldly,” and “keep the doors open for others,” — traits that many of the applicants clearly embody based on their achievements and goals for the future.
All applicants for the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship are in need of financial support. Many are from single parent households and are depended upon to help support their families, either financially or through other means such as taking care of younger siblings so their parent(s) can work. In some cases, Covid has made it challenging for the parent(s) to maintain their employment as many jobs are in service industries that have been heavily impacted by Covid. Through all this, the applicants have shown courage and resilience and we applaud all of them.
Thank you for your continued donations to the Edwin M. Lee Memorial Fund that allows us to award several scholarships to FHS graduating seniors each spring. We invite you to read about our recent recipients; we think you will find them to be impressive as we did. As future scholarships are awarded, we will share how the recipients are choosing to live their lives boldly through their school and extracurricular activities, community involvement, and academic excellence.
2026
In 2026, the Edwin M. Lee Memorial Fund awarded scholarships to seven graduating seniors through the Alumni Association and Foundation at Franklin High School. The Lee Family congratulates this year’s award recipients and their families as they embark on this next chapter of their academic pursuits.
JAEL GIBSON – $5,000
Jael demonstrates a strong academic record and noteworthy passion for supporting and volunteering in the community and serving those in need, primarily youth. She participated with the Cop Every Opp and More to Life programs, with a keen awareness of the need to improve mental health within the community. Jael will attend Bethune-Cookman University in Florida with plans to study Psychology and Mental Health.
SUMAIYAH YANG – $5,000
Sumaiyah has been active in encouraging young women to enter the fields of engineering and technology. She regularly volunteers in the Cham Refugees community, while maintaining a strong academic performance. As the first in her family to attend college, Sumaiyah will enroll at the University of Washington and plans to study Mechatronic Engineering and Cybersecurity.
KHAMILLE CHAPPELL – $2,500
Serving as president of two classes and the Executive Vice-President of the FHS Associated Student Body, Khamille has been very active in student leadership activities. As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, she has also shown a strong commitment to protect tribal sovereignty, with an interest in knowing how law and government shape and effect indigenous nations. Khamille will attend the University of Washington and study Political Science and Law.
MELINDA VO – $2,500
Melinda served as the President of the Associated Student Body and in prior student leadership roles at FHS. She was an active member and leader of the mock trial program and participated in several extracurricular achievements, including theatre and musical performances. She will attend the University of Washington to pursue studies in Law and Justice.
LEAH LAM – $2,500
Active in student clubs and activities, Leah recognizes how social and economic barriers shape inclusiveness, and impact how participants feel seen and heard. She participated and planned events such as Lunar New Year and Multicultural Night encouraging an inclusive environment and stronger community. As a first-generation college student, Leah plans to begin her studies at North Seattle College and then transfer to the University of Washington to study Marketing.
JESSIE TRUONG – $2,500
Jessie has been a leader, volunteer and mentee in many activities impacting students and careers. She has recognized how early literacy shapes confidence in young students, with a dedication and commitment to Team Read. She has several accomplishments and awards with FHS’s mock trial program and has worked to increase participation and raise funds for Mock Trial. Jessie will attend the University of Washington and pursue studies in Finance, Information Services and Law.
STEVEN MPILA BAZOMBA – $2,500
Steven exhibits significant achievements and noteworthy passion for supporting his family, community and others in need. As a recent immigrant, he not only has learned English but has multilingual skills in several languages learned over the years, with limited resources. Steven is also an accomplished soccer player and as the first in his family to attend college, will enroll at Seattle Pacific University to study Business.
2025
Given the changing times and increased expenses/hardships for first year college students, the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship Committee elected to award $20K in scholarship awards to FHS graduating seniors for 2025.
BRIDGET HESTAD – $5,000
Bridget’s application reflected a stellar academic record, significant extracurricular achievements, and a noteworthy passion for supporting her community and others in need. Her volunteer community service at Leschi Elementary School and Learn to Row programs were impressive as was her interest in math and science. Although Bridget was accepted into the neuroscience program at Santa Clara University and hopes to pursue a STEM career, her awareness of the current political climate has caused her to consider pursuing a degree in Political Science/Law and focus on social justice. While unsure of which path she will take, she is certain of her desire to have a career where she can help people and give back to her community.
JAMAIYA BLAND – $5,000
Headed to Fisk University, Jamaiya plans to pursue a major in Psychology and a minor in criminal justice with a goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney. While at Franklin, Jamaiya demonstrated a strong academic record while faced with unique challenges as an unaccompanied McKinney-Vento student. She was involved in organizing a MLK assembly, hosting workshops and discussions on topics related to race, identity and social justice, and educating the school community about Black history and culture. Her involvement with clubs promoting mental health and one’s
well-being along with playing on the Varsity Basketball Team while maintaining a strong academic record was truly impressive.
JANICE WU – $2,500
With a childlike curiosity, Janice has a deep interest in biological sciences, specifically in DNA/RNA, the molecular codes dictating life’s diversity. Her dream profession is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Involved in multiple clubs at
Franklin where she held leadership/organizational positions, Janice also found time for volunteer work analyzing and transcribing racial covenants that outlined red- lining practices in King County. She has a deep appreciation for her community and is inspired to give back to the community that gave so generously to her and her family, through volunteering or simply cheering others on to remind them they’re not alone. Accomplishing all of this while maintaining a very strong academic record Janice will attend the University of Washington (Seattle).
JUN YU ZHU – $5,000
Exhilarated to be a part of the generation where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to completely revolutionize today’s world, Jun Yu is pursuing a career in AI by obtaining a degree in computer science at the University of Washington (Seattle). He eventually hopes to own a successful AI startup that tackles global challenges such as improving access to education. His stellar academic record, strong interest in STEM and AI, willingness to share his knowledge by mentoring young coding students, demonstrated interest in robotics, and creative approach to assisting his family financially were truly impressive.
LUCY HUTCHINSON – $2,500
Lucy will attend Scripps College and is considering a political science major as she is passionate about understanding the dynamics of government and social justice. Her ultimate goal is to be a human rights attorney. In addition to participating in Cross Country and Track for all four years at Franklin and serving as captain of both teams for two years, Lucy has maintained a strong academic performance. Additionally, she has been on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Global Visionaries for the past year, after previously serving as a Pro Justice member, where she led workshops on social justice for teens. This experience allowed her to travel to Guatemala where she participated in a cultural immersion and worked alongside the community on service projects.
2024
Pursuing her career goal to become a pharmacist, Sendy Yu Zhao will attend the University of Washington (Seattle) in the fall. Sendy’s interest will lead her on a path of taking math and sciences courses. She plans to work towards a biochemistry degree, followed by a PhD in Pharmacy.
As the recipient of the 2024 Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship, Sendy managed to maintain a stellar academic record, participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer at the Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC), and work part-time on weekends.
At FHS, Sendy was a member of the Anime Club and Earth Corp Club. She learned about volunteer opportunities at the CISC through her relatives. She works with elementary aged students with their schoolwork and helps them develop their creative abilities through art which is also a strong interest of Sendy’s.
Sendy has seen the students grow in their abilities. This has also helped her gain leadership skills and become more confident in herself. She has met other volunteers at CISC and together, they are positive role models for the younger students.
Sendy continues to learn new things about the Asian community and herself through volunteering at CISC. With her dedication and commitment to the community, along with her strong academic record and determination to attain her goals, we are pleased to support Sendy with a $2,000 Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship.
2023
How does an environmental engineering degree intersect with a music education degree? These are the two majors that Mariela Cordero Clemente aims to achieve as a recipient of a 2023 Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship.
Mariela’s strong interest in music and the environment aspires her to earn degrees in both fields at the University of Washington, Seattle Campus. During her years at Franklin High School, she demonstrated strong academic achievement and participated in the UW’s Upward Bound Summer Academy, earning a Certificate of Achievement which was evident of her commitment to pursue a college education.
At FHS, Mariela was active in clubs such as National Honors Society, Key Club, Earth Service Corps, Anime Club, Latinx Club, Victory Club, and Women’s Youth Group. She also participated in cross country, swimming and dive, and ultimate frisbee. Her involvement in the Earth Service Corps as President opened her eyes to issues affecting the environment and the need to sustain and protect it.
Music has always been a part of Mariela’s life and she hopes to give back to her community through music lessons, performances and financial support of music related activities and organizations. The first in her family to attend college, we are excited to support Mariela in her pursuit of an environmental engineering degree and a music education degree.
Immigrating from Vietnam in 2019, Manh Tri “Michael” Hoang demonstrated great tenacity to learn English, adapt to a new culture and engage in a new community, all in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. A star student in Vietnam, Michael was challenged with assimilating to the U.S. and Franklin High School. He rose to the challenge and found a way to fit in by helping other immigrants learn English and acts as a translator for fellow immigrant students.
Although he was a hardworking student, things didn’t always go Michael’s way, especially when he failed to rank as the #1 student in his high school class in Vietnam. He became discouraged and engaged in “quiet quitting” in his studies and class participation.
Looking at an opportunity to start over in the U.S., he overcame the pressures and expectations, some self-imposed and some placed upon him, and became active in clubs such as the Viet Club and the Robotics Club. He demonstrated great initiative by joining the Summer Youth Employment Program of Seattle where he worked with a diverse team of students to prepare meals for food distribution in the community. He continued to excel at FHS by taking rigorous classes such as AP Calculus, was a student in the Computer Class Academy and served as a teaching assistant for a social studies class.
Michael will be attending the University of Washington and plans to major in engineering. He hopes to give back to his community by returning to serve as a motivational speaker for other students and/or immigrants through organizations such as the Asian Counseling and Referral Service or at FHS. Michael’s strong academic achievement and a demonstrated ability to succeed and overcome obstacles were truly impressive and we were pleased to award him with an Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship.
2022
The 2021-22 school year saw Franklin High School students cautiously returning to the classroom. Graduating seniors relayed many of the challenges of resuming their activities while trying to keep safe. As the Scholarship Committee read through the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award scholarship applications, it was evident that the students’ continued resilience and strength once again carried them through these changing times. The applicants wrote impressive essays, sharing their experiences, accomplishments, community involvement, and goals.
The Scholarship Committee received eleven (11) applications for review and while all the applications were impressive, three (3) recipients were selected for the 2022 Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship: Celina Tran, Hawi Yoseph, and Vivian Ngo.
Celina’s involvement in various activities such as the Chinese Girl’s Drill Team, UW Upward Bound, National Honor Society, Asian Student Association, Earth Corps, Women’s Empowerment Group, cross country, and track and field while also holding a job, was impressive as was her strong academic record. But what really stood out was that she was able to accomplish all this while being the caretaker for her sibling. Her drive to do well, involvement in her community, and commitment to her family showed that she was deserving of the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship. Celina was awarded $1000 as she pursues her academic interests in English, Sociology, and Neuroscience at Reed College in Portland, OR.
Hawi’s leadership and passion for her community were demonstrated by her participation in the City of Seattle’s Department of Education & Early Learning (DEEL Grant Organization) where she led social justice projects by advocating for anti-racism and anti-discrimination through positive change. Additionally, her role as a Team Reading Coach where she helped elementary students with reading, writing, and listening skills, further showed her dedication to helping others. Her impressive academic record with Upward Bound and Running Start led to a $1000 scholarship award to be used as she attends the University of Washington (Seattle Campus) to pursue a business degree.
Vivian will be attending Seattle University with an interest in diagnostic ultrasound. In addition to taking Running Start classes, she completed an internship with Swedish Hospital and was involved with World Vision. Her strong academic record along with her participation in Med Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, College Positive, Team Read, and volleyball, reflected her focus and drive to be successful. Vivian was awarded a $1000 scholarship to help with her college needs as she attends Seattle University.
In reviewing applications, the Scholarship Committee looks to provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors with significant financial need and who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to public and community service and an interest in advancing social, economic or environment sustainability. Strong academic achievement and a demonstrated ability to succeed and overcome obstacles are also considered.
2021
2021 continued to be a challenging year, and many of the graduating seniors at Franklin High School wrote about their resilience and strength through their various experiences, community involvement, and leadership activities, as we read in many of the impressive applications for the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarship. The Scholarship Committee had the opportunity to review 13 applications and after several lengthy discussions, two recipients for the 2021 Edwin M. Lee Community Award Scholarship were selected – Gisele Masmela and Jenny Kwan, both who are attending the University of Washington.
Gisele’s leadership and passion for her community were demonstrated by the fact that she was the class president of her 9th, 10th, and 11th grade classes, and ASB President in her senior year. Additionally, her action to lead a moment of silence honoring the lives lost to racism and her involvement in a group demonstration against anti-Asian hate-crimes and discrimination continued to show her leadership skills as well as her support for her community. Accomplishing this and other extra-curricular activities while maintaining a strong academic performance was truly impressive to us, to say the least. Giselle was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to assist her while she attends the UW, Tacoma campus.
Jenny was equally impressive. She demonstrated a stellar academic record, significant extracurricular achievements, and a noteworthy passion for supporting her community and others in need. In particular, we are impressed by her leadership and love for her community, demonstrated by her insight and ability to find opportunities for others to help others, making a greater impact on communities in need. The Scholarship Committee was happy to award Jenny with a $1,000 scholarship to assist with her endeavors as she attends the UW, Seattle campus.
2020
While most everything came to a screeching halt in 2020 due to Covid 19, it didn’t stop the Lee Family from awarding scholarships to deserving graduating seniors in the Class of 2020 at Franklin High School. In fact, after reading how the seniors were persevering through this challenging time, we felt compelled to award a few more scholarships than in previous years. Below are the recipients of the Edwin M. Lee Community Leadership Award Scholarships in 2020:
Cam Che was the recipient of $1,000 to use while attending the University of Washington, Seattle campus. The president of the National Honor Society for multiple years and founder of the FHS Medical Club. Cam also had a strong interest in biochemistry. His goal of becoming a general surgeon was influenced by his mother’s medical condition. His dream of building a hospital that accepts anyone, regardless of financial status, would allow anyone to have access to hospital care.
Sophia Nguyen was also awarded $1,000 while attending the University of Washington, Seattle campus. Sophia’s passion for social justice and activism along with her interest in science, fueled her desire to improve the STEM program at FHS and develop new curriculum to be more inclusive and attract more members who might not previously been given the opportunity to be involved in the program.
Danny Nguyen is attending Seattle University and was the recipient of a $500 scholarship. His passion to help others stems from his family background and understanding the importance of supporting others. Overcoming his shyness, Danny’s goal is to become a nurse so he can help others in his community and beyond.
Amy Pham is attending the University of Washington, Seattle campus. Coming from a single-parent household, she understands what it is like to have to forego medical and/or dental procedures due to one’s financial circumstances. Her desire to help others through affordable healthcare coincides with her interest in the medical field. Amy was the recipient of a $500 scholarship.
Kanoa Wong has a strong interest in film, mostly due to his health condition causing him to spend many days at home watching movies and television. His experience producing a weekly segment and then directing a show at FHS, fueled his interest in film even more. He overcame his health challenges and raised his grades well enough to attend Seattle University. Kanoa was awarded a $500 scholarship.
