On August 10, 2008, the New York Yee Fong Toy Association held its annual scholarship award ceremony at Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association’s auditorium at 62 Mott Street. This year, we had 116 scholarship recipients breaking our previous record of 115. We had 21 elementary school, 30 junior high school, 32 high school and 21 college/university students with 30 credits and a B+ or better overall average for the 2007-2008 school year. In addition, the top 6 highest college/university students with a 3.5 overall average or better and 30 credits qualifies for an award from a special Five Tong Association scholarship program. This year, we recognized William Yu, Jenny Yee, Alice Yu, Ai Mei Yu and Kevin Yu. We also recognized Mon Yuck Yu and Anita Yee for top honors, each receiving scholarship awards from Five Tong Association and Dit Nam Yu memorial scholarship fund. For this top honor, the top 4 graduating HS senior with a B+ or better average and SAT score of over 1700 would qualify. Annie Yu also received a Five Tong award for having a high average. Justine T. Yu and Belinda Yu were the other 2 students who received awards from Dit Nam Yu scholarship fund. As a final category, there were 4 students who received awards just for attending Chinese school. For the first time this year, award from Ming Lai Yee memorial scholarship went to graduating senior, Benjamin Yu.

Our guest speaker this year was June Jee, director in the Verizon Communications Community Affairs’ group. June is also responsible for managing a component of Verizon Foundation’s philanthropic programs. She is also the daughter-in-law of our late Advisor Ming Lai. As an active member in the Chinese community, June serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Museum of Chinese in America, Second Generation Productions, Chinatown Partnership LDC, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and well as many other non profit groups.

The ceremony began with our Women’s League President Kennie introducing our award presenters: Grand Elder Peter Yee, Grand Advisor John B.J. Yee, Advisor Andy Yu, Presidents Gong Sum Yee and Kenneth Yee, cousins from Ma Association President, VP and Tse Elder, Inspector Gin Yee, Honorary General Counsel Ms. Lai Sun Yee, Legal Counsel Ms. Mah Suk Wah and guest speaker June Jee. After the opening ceremonies, President Gong welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about this year scholarship. We were also fortunate to have 5th Precinct Commander, Inspector Gin Yee and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Fellow, Ms. Lai Sun Yee, who briefly addressed the audience. Lai Sun’s new position is a one-year Fellowship Program based in Washington D.C.

Next, June addressed this year’s scholarship recipients on the importance of education, community and civic participation. June began by saying “Every day, we experience things either directly or indirectly that can impact our lives and shape who we are today.” She describes a typical immigrant story. Emigrating from Hong Kong at the age of 6, language and being Chinese were barriers for her at school. As a second grader, name calling, teasing and harassment were not easily understood. But being pushed down the stairs was a turning point and she decided to confront them. The courage to speak up help put an end to the harassment. Knowing the language, the ability to communicate with each other can only be through education and the key to end racial prejudice. June continued to share how activism in college helped shape who she is today. Civic participation through peaceful protest helped her fellow student body get Asian American studies to be included in the college offering. Realizing “life is what you make-it-to-be”, June is committed to serving the Asian community. She pointed out we can only effect change through volunteerism, giving back to the community and participation in the democratic process of voting. In closing, “education will empower you to not only provide for yourself but for others” and “stay true to yourself”.

After the presentation of awards to all our winners, Kennie conducted a short interview in Cantonese with Mon Yuck and Annie Yu. It is encouraging to hear these students are well rounded individuals. They are not only smart academically but also participate in extra curricular activities and are asset to the community. Also encouraging is the fact that more recipients took the time to join our traditional ancestral service held earlier at our family association’s hall. Commitment and involvement are important ideals our children need to embrace.

Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients and their parents for a job well done and continued success. Thanks again to Kennie, her Women’s League and all those that made this event a success.

Frank Yee, NY