Press Releases: Southern California
June 23, 2005
Over 14,000 Volunteer Hours - College Bound Students Making a Difference in LA
LOS ANGELES – Sixteen high school and college students from LA County, who donated a combined total of over 14,000 volunteer hours in two years received community service scholarships yesterday (June 22, 2005) from the Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center.
The Bill Coggins Community Leadership Scholarship Awards ranging from $250 to $1,000, were presented at an annual event that honors local graduates who have overcome obstacles to achieve academic success - all while serving as community leaders.
Each recipient has an inspiring story. Kenny Chung from Arcadia High School will attend UC Berkeley in the fall and his 800 volunteer hours in medical centers have inspired him to become a physician. "I now understand that being a doctor isn't about having job security or prestige; rather, it is about treating those in need," said Chung.
Stuart Mills of Mt. San Antonio College volunteers because he enjoys working with the illiterate and semiliterate to improve their English skills. "It is a pleasure to give my time to identify these individuals and assist them to realize their potential. It is truly time well spent," commented Mills.
The event also honored Devin Jones (Paramount High School), Gabriela Castillo (Hollywood High School), Camden Vilkin (Malibu High School), Ann Anaebere (Mount St. Mary's College), Fatima Ruiz (Lennox), Robyn Strumph (Viewpoint School in Calabasas), Laura Pajar (La Puente High School), Victoria Williams (Mount St. Mary's College), David Parra (East Los Angeles College), Izkury Vega (Downtown Magnet High School), Alisha Patel (Manhattan Beach), Leanna Marderian (East Valley Academy in Winnetka), Soo Yeon Ryoo (Whitney High School in Cerritos), Samuel Maxwell (Crenshaw High School). All are available for interviews.
The award recipients were selected from among 80 applicants who demonstrated commitment to community service. The center established the annual awards in 1997 to encourage student community service and academic success. It is named in honor of Bill Coggins, the founding director of the Watts Counseling and Learning Center .
For nearly 35 years, the center has offered free or low-cost counseling, educational therapy, summer camps, preschool and after-school child care for families living in the Watts area. The families need not be members of Kaiser Permanente to take advantage of the Center's services.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it is a nonprofit, group practice prepayment program with Southern California headquarters in Pasadena, California. Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of 3.3 million members in Southern California. Today it encompasses the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and their subsidiaries, and the for-profit Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region includes more than 49,900 technical, administrative and clerical employees and caregivers, and more than 6,000 physicians representing all specialties. More information about Kaiser Permanente can be found at kaiserpermanente.org.
