Angels Wings Foundation recognizes young men and women who have demonstrated perseverance and a commitment to higher education with individual scholarships.
Angels Wings Foundation, International a nonprofit organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced the recipients of its prestigious 2017 Angels Wings Thai Scholarship at an auspicious award ceremony held at the historic Los Angeles City Hall Tom Bradley Tower. The program was expanded from twenty-four to twenty-six scholarships in this inaugural yeardue to the overwhelming number of exceptional applications received. The total amount of financial aid to Thai American students studying in the US awarded this year is a total of $250,000. Each of the Scholars will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 of financial aid towards their undergraduate or graduate studies. These young men and women are recognized for their admirable commitment to continuing their education, exhibiting exceptional achievements, and serving their communities, despite facing adversities. Scholars will be attending universities ranging from Pasadena City College, Chapman University, USC, UCLA and UC Berkley.
The ceremony began with the singing of the Thai National Anthem led by Ms. Leah Utar. Chancee Martorell, Executive Director of the Thai Community Development Center then welcomed the guests to the ceremony. She was then followed by opening remarks from the Honorable Los Angeles Thai Consul General, Tanee Sangrat who spoke of the critical importance of the scholarship program for many Thai Americans needing financial support.
“I am very pleased to support Porntip Bui Simon, President of Angels Wings Foundation and applaud her efforts to help Thai American students obtain higher education and become future leaders of their community and this country,” said Honorable Tanee Sangrat, Thai Consul General of Los Angeles.
The City of LA Public Works Commissioner, Joel Jacintothen expressed the City of LA’s unwavering support for the scholarship program on behalf of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti who has made investments in academic achievement starting from “Cradle to College” a priority for the City.
Porntip Bui Simon, President of Angels Wing Foundation was then introduced and talked about the initiative behind the Angels Wings Thai Scholarship, Los Angeles; which is to recognize and honor Thai-American students who have demonstrated academic excellence, concern for their Thai community, heritage connection and their proud desire to continue their education.
“I began my initiative with Angels Wings to assist the youth in Thailand 15 years ago. After a decade and a half of passionate work in Thailand we have decided to expand our reach to the U.S., with a focus on Los Angeles which represent the largest Thai population outside of Thailand. Having grown up in Southern California, I have personally been inspired by the enriching Thai community. I am honored to invest in our local Thai youth, and encourage their Thai pride, while continuing to support my beloved country of Thailand. My focus has always been about bettering the lives of the Thai youth. I am proud of each and every one of the students receiving the Angels Wings Thai Scholarship today. This is my vote of confidence in them and I believe they will be great role models and future leaders for our community,” said Bui Simon, Angels Wings Foundation President.
The Angels Wings Thai Scholarship, Los Angeles Program’s vision is to provide the financial opportunity for Thai students to experience higher education. We believe our scholars will thrive when given the opportunity to expand their knowledge through higher education and develop relationships with their contemporaries. Ultimately, we hope to encourage the Thai youth to have the courage to live their life to their full potential. The scholarships are funded by Porntip Bui Simon, former Miss Universe and President of Angels Wings Foundation.
For more information, go to https://www.angelswingsfoundation.org/angels- wings-thai-scholarship-los-angeles/
The evening closed with the presentation of Angels Wings scholarship certificates and a special gift of a silver Angels Wings pen and personal note from Porntip Bui Simon reminding the students that with the power of knowledge they will be able to write their own future with pride. She personally congratulated each student and wished them great success in their future endeavors while their family members looked on beaming with joy.
