Celebrating Excellence: SSFA Finalizes 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Board meeting in Ellicott City unanimously approved $33,000 in scholarships for 24 students. Ji Ye Yoon named outstanding recipient with $3,000.
The Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America held its regular board meeting in Ellicott City on November 11, 2024, led by President John Hwang. During the meeting, the Foundation finalized the selection of its 2024 scholarship recipients, with unanimous approval from the board. This year, 24 students—20 college and graduate students and 4 high school students—were awarded scholarships totaling $33,000.
Ji Ye Yoon, a junior nursing student at Georgetown University, was named the outstanding scholarship recipient and awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Excelling academically, Yoon is majoring in pediatric nursing and health, and has developed practical skills through clinical experiences at Georgetown University Hospital and Dominion Hospital.
President Hwang stated, "This year, we received a record number of applications, with many exceptional students applying, which enabled us to increase the number of top scholarship recipients." He shared plans to expand the number of outstanding scholarship recipients each year.
Chairman Yong Ik Jong shared his joy at being able to provide scholarships to students in need through funds raised at this year's golf tournament: "In today's global era, I hope that talented individuals who are essential to American society will contribute across various fields."
Professors Dr. Justin Ji (Management) and Dr. Keunsu Han (Sport Management) from Towson University commented, "Most students demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and provided unique reflections on themselves and their communities. We were deeply impressed by their expressions of personal challenges, insights, and lessons learned."
They highlighted Ji Ye Yoon's multifaceted journey of growth through clinical practice and community involvement — her progression from initial anxiety to a sense of comfort with patients, and her cultural sensitivity working with children from diverse backgrounds.
The Sejong Scholarship Foundation will host an award ceremony at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Bayside Cantina Banquet Hall in Baltimore. A workshop for scholarship recipients will be held at 3 p.m.
Since its founding in 1997, the Sejong Scholarship Foundation has awarded $682,000 in scholarships to 703 students across high school, undergraduate, and graduate programs (as of last year).