Demonstrating exemplary academic performance, leadership and personal character, six Los Angeles Unified school district seniors have been awarded the 2023 Milken Scholars Award. Recipients will receive a $10,000 scholarship and college and career-related counseling, assistance in securing internships and community service opportunities and a fund to assist in their career goals.

This year’s recipients include David Lee, Larchmont Charter School; Dayanara Chavez and Eyael Hailmariam, James A. Foshay Learning Center; Julissa Mendoza, South Gate Senior High; Jun Woo Shin, North Hollywood Senior High and Neo Phuchane, Reseda Charter High School.

“Congratulations and high praise to this remarkable group of young scholars, changemakers and leaders,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Through hard work and strength of character, these recipients have already established a record of achievement and service to their community. We are immensely proud to call them our students, and we stand ready to see what they will accomplish next.”

As student leaders, these scholars have made contributions in the fields of engineering, robotics, medicine, mental health, the arts, community activism and politics. Combined, these students have been recognized by the Culture of Democracy Summit, the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Youth Council, the Dell Scholars Program, the University of California and the California State University system among many others.

“After more than three decades, the Milken Scholars family has grown to more than 560 scholars. Each of these outstanding young men and women is a future leader,” said Mike Milken, who founded the Milken Scholars Program in 1989 with his wife Lori. “Lori and I continue to be impressed, year after year, by their remarkable accomplishments and enthusiasm.”

The Milken Scholars Program is a joint initiative of the Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation. Selection for the Milken Scholars Program includes a rigorous nomination, application and interview process. In total, ten students were selected in Los Angeles County, with six from LAUSD.

“Congratulations to David, Dayanara, Eyael, Julissa, Jun and Neo on their outstanding achievements and for the great honor of recognition for their Milken scholarships,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “That they distinguished themselves in such a competitive national field is truly impressive and I thank them for representing the district so well.”