The Neng Thao Memorial Scholarship winner for 2019 is Ger Yang. Ger has been an active participant in the Asian-American & Pacific Islander Youth Group and other FIRM programs. He is also the president of the Hmong Club at Edison High School.
Ger personally knew Neng Thao, and was deeply affected by his death, making some significant life changes to apply himself more fully at school and commit to increased community advocacy work. Ger says that he was inspired by Neng to think about attending college. Ger will attend CSU Fresno in the Fall, and hopes to become a teacher, where he can influence other young people on positive paths.
Over 30 high quality applications for the scholarship were received. A selection committee from among a number of organizations as well as a representative from the Thao family elected Ger as the winner from eight scholarship finalists.
Many thanks to the Thao Family, The Fresno Center, Stone Soup Fresno, and many individuals who donated to this scholarship to make an impact on Southeast Asian youth. Through their generosity, this year’s scholarship award is $5500.
The scholarship award will be presented on June 27 in a private ceremony on the FIRM campus.