Events, Programs | Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America SSFA

2025 SSFA Art Contest Results – "The Happiest Moment"

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 SSFA "The Happiest Moment" Art Contest!
This year, we received 96 submissions from students, including 53 from Maryland and the rest from other states.

Please note that certificates will not be distributed this year. Only trophies and cash prizes will be awarded.
We are also grateful to Bayside Cantina for sponsoring an additional Special Prize ($50 gift card) on the day of judging.

Ceremony, Exhibition, & Artwork Pick Up

An in-person ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at:

Bayside Cantina
2809 Boston St
Baltimore, MD 21224

Doors open at 3:30 PM, and winners will be announced at 4:00 PM.
Artwork and prizes must be picked up between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on the same day.
No shipping available. Unclaimed items will be forfeited.

Grand Prize

Edna Sohn (4th Grade)
"The Happiest Drawing Moment"
The moment I start drawing is when I feel happiest. Through my art, I get to meet the imaginary animals that live in my mind. When I paint flowers, it feels like flowers bloom in my heart, too. I can express everything I imagine through my drawings!

Winners by Category

K–2nd Grade
First Place – Deborah Rim
Second Place – Hannah Lee
Third Place – Joy Kim

3rd–5th Grade
First Place – Kaitlyn Kreider
Second Place – Daniel G. Bowers
Third Place – Jackson Shin

6th–8th Grade
First Place – Subeen Byeon
Second Place – Jungwon Kim
Third Place – Moses Kim

9th–12th Grade
First Place – Gayeon Kim
Second Place – Elisabeth Lee
Third Place – Luci Becker

Special Prizes

Korea Times – Irene Seong
Bayside Cantina – Emily Ryu
Bayside Cantina – Vivian Siwoo Kim
Omni Financial – Aadhya Aithal
M&T Bank – Esther Han

Honorable Mentions

Brandon Lee, Isabel Ha, Eden Yoo, Annabelle Yun, Tia Yehee Kim,
Aiden Lee, Joyce Lee, Kenneth Kim, Michelle Kim, Emma Burgoon

Judges' Commentary

This year’s contest featured many outstanding student artworks, full of creativity and expressive talent. It was a true challenge for the judges to select the winners.

We were especially moved by the uninhibited and unique work from younger students, which brought to life the theme of "The Happiest Moment" in magical and heartfelt ways.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Edna Sohn for her ability to convey joy through expressive animals, lively gestures, and vibrant colors that uplifted viewers’ hearts.

With so many notable pieces, we anticipate an inspiring exhibition experience. We extend our gratitude to the SSFA organizing committee and to Mr. John Hwang for their continued efforts to uplift the Korean American community through this meaningful event.

We hope this contest serves as an encouraging step forward for the future artists of our generation.

Thank you.

2025 “The Happiest Moment” Art Contest

When was the happiest moment of your life? Your happiest moment may be spending time with loved ones, receiving a present, or achieving a goal. Maybe, the happiest moment is not the present, but rather something that has happened in our history, like the ending of a war or a major triumph. Show us how you define “The Happiest Moment”!

Contest Rules
- Artwork must be submitted on a 9 x 12 inch piece of paper.
- Artwork must not be more than 1 inch thick.
- Each contestant may submit only one piece of artwork.
- Each piece of artwork must have a completed Entry Form attached to the back with tape or glue.
- All artwork, monetary prize, and trophy must be picked up during a selected timeframe at our ceremony location. Shipping is not available. Failure to pick up will result in the forfeit of your artwork and prize.
- Contestant must submit their original artwork postmarked before April 25, 2025 at:
  
  SSFA
  PO Box 40
  Columbia, MD 21045
  
  Or drop off at:
  
  한국일보 KOREA TIMES
  3240 Corporate Ct, Suite A1
  Ellicott City, MD 21042
  MON-FRI 9AM - 5PM
  Google Map
  
  * Please note that USPS is the only reliable option. Private carriers (UPS, FedEx, etc.) may not deliver to the address above.
Entry Fee ($)
FREE!
Donations in any amount to support the next generation will be greatly appreciated. However, it will not increase your chances of winning.
Prizes
Grand Prize: $150 (1 winner)
1st Place: $100 (4 winners)
2nd Place: $75 (4 winners)
3rd Place: $50 (4 winners)
Honorable Mentions: $10
* SSFA reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value.

Judging

Judging will be done in four categories (K~2, 3~5, 6~8, 9~12) with a first, second, and third place winner in each category.
A panel of judges will determine winners through the submission’s creativity and portrayal of the theme (50%), artwork description (25%), and overall artistic ability and technique (25%).

For any questions, please email: director@ssfa.org.

Ceremony, Exhibition, & Artwork Pick Up

An in-person ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at:

Bayside Cantina
2809 Boston St
Baltimore, MD 21224

Doors will be opened at 3:30pm and winners will be announced at 4pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Please dress smart casual.

All artworks and prizes may only be picked up at the above location on Sunday, May 18, 2025 between 2pm and 8pm. Shipping is not available. Failure to pick up will result in the forfeit of your artwork and prize.

2024 Sejong Scholarship Foundation Award Ceremony

11/30/2024

The Sejong Scholarship Foundation (President John Hwang) held its annual scholarship award ceremony on November 30th at Bayside Cantina in Baltimore. This year, scholarships totaling $33,000 were awarded to 24 students, including 20 college and graduate students and 4 high school students.

During the ceremony, President John Hwang congratulated the recipients, stating, “You are our future. We hope you continue to work hard and grow into outstanding individuals. We will always support your ambitious dreams and future endeavors.”

Chairman Jung Yong-Ik emphasized the importance of the foundation’s mission, saying, “Thanks to the unwavering support and generosity of our donors, we have been able to provide students with more opportunities and hope. We look forward to seeing the next generation take on greater challenges and achieve remarkable accomplishments with the help of these scholarships. Our foundation remains dedicated to fostering future talent.”

Professor Ji Yong-Yeon (Towson University, Business Department), who participated in the selection process, encouraged the students, saying, “This is a valuable opportunity to inspire dreams and hope. We encourage you to take pride in yourselves and grow into exceptional leaders.”

The top scholarship recipient, Yoon Ji-Ye (Georgetown University), shared her gratitude, saying, “It is an honor to be selected as the top scholar, and this scholarship will greatly aid in covering my tuition. I will continue my studies in nursing and social justice, striving to give back to society as a dedicated nurse.” Yoon, a junior majoring in nursing, maintains outstanding academic performance while focusing on pediatric nursing and health.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Sejong Foundation has awarded a total of $682,000 to 703 high school, college, and graduate students.

Celebrating Excellence: SSFA Finalizes 2024 Scholarship Recipients and Honors Outstanding Achievers

11/11/2024

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 members. This year, 24 students—20 college and graduate students and 4 high school students—were awarded scholarships totaling $33,000.

Outstanding Scholarship Recipient

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. She has developed practical skills in health assessment, internal and surgical nursing, and mental health management through clinical experiences at Georgetown University Hospital and Dominion Hospital.

Highlights from the Meeting

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 also shared plans to expand the number of outstanding scholarship recipients each year. Expressing his gratitude to sponsors and board members, he added, "As our art competition continues to grow each year, we are committed to making this foundation one that inspires dreams for future generations."

Chairman Yong Ik Jong, currently visiting Korea, shared his joy at being able to provide scholarships to students in need through funds raised at this year’s golf tournament. He stated, "In today’s global era, I hope that talented individuals who are essential to American society will contribute across various fields." He also emphasized his commitment to prioritizing efforts to expand financial resources in support of this mission.

Selection Committee Feedback

Members of the scholarship selection committee, 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 added that they are greatly looking forward to engaging directly with the scholarship recipients in workshops for the first time this year.

They further remarked, "Ji Ye Yoon’s essay captures her multifaceted journey of growth through clinical practice and community involvement with remarkable depth." They highlighted her progression from initial anxiety to a sense of comfort in her interactions with patients, along with the teamwork and camaraderie she fostered with fellow nurses during clinical practice. Yoon’s experiences working with children from diverse backgrounds also cultivated her cultural sensitivity and self-awareness, which she conveyed with gratitude and a clear sense of purpose. In doing so, she emphasized the deep fulfillment gained from serving and learning from others.

Upcoming Events

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. Prior to the ceremony, a workshop for scholarship recipients will be held at 3 p.m.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1997, the Sejong Scholarship Foundation has awarded a total of $682,000 in scholarships to 703 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students as of last year.

The Future Painted on Canvas

05/21/2024

Chairman Hwang Hong-joo of the Sejong Scholarship Foundation in the US, directors, and award winners

The Sejong Scholarship Foundation (President Hwang Heung-ju) has announced the winners of the 3rd Art Contest. Under the theme "When I Grow Up," the competition saw 91 participants from Korean and other ethnic student communities in Maryland and Virginia, with 29 winners selected. The grand prize was awarded to Katie Flanagan (10th grade) for her piece "Flower Garden."

On the 19th, the Sejong Scholarship Foundation in the US (Chairman Hwang Heung-joo) held the award ceremony and exhibition for the 3rd Art Contest.

At the award ceremony held that afternoon at Bayside Cantina in Canton, Baltimore, Katie Flanagan (10th grade) won the grand prize with her piece 'Flower Garden'. A total of 29 winners received certificates and prizes. This contest, themed 'When I Grow Up', received 91 submissions from Korean and other ethnic students in Maryland and Virginia.

The judging was divided into four categories: Youth (K-2), Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), and High School (9-12). Additionally, ten honorable mentions and special awards from companies like Beseto, Korea Daily, Baltimore County, Welcome Home Realty, RNDC, and M&T Bank were selected.

Chairman Hwang Heung-joo expressed his gratitude, stating, “I thank the executives, directors, sponsors, participating students, and parents for their efforts. The winners were selected based on creativity, thematic expression, work description, and overall artistic ability.”

Katherine Yi, the coordinator for District 6 of the Baltimore County Executive Office, congratulated the winners and praised the amazing artworks, urging everyone to remember to thank the parents who supported this endeavor.

The awarded artworks are also displayed on the foundation's website (ssfa.org).

- Reporter Park Ki-chan

2024 “WHEN I GROW UP” ART CONTEST EXHIBITION

29 Winners Selected in Art Competition

05/14/2024

Jury Chairman Park Yoon-hoi (third from the right) and officials from the Sejong Scholarship Foundation.

The Sejong Scholarship Foundation (President Hwang Heung-ju) has announced the winners of the 3rd Art Contest. Under the theme "When I Grow Up," the competition saw 91 participants from Korean and other ethnic student communities in Maryland and Virginia, with 29 winners selected. The grand prize was awarded to Katie Flanagan (10th grade) for her piece "Flower Garden."

The judging was divided into four categories: Kindergarten to 2nd grade (K-2), 3rd to 5th grade (3-5), 6th to 8th grade (6-8), and 9th to 12th grade (9-12). Ten students received honorable mentions, and special prizes were awarded by Beseto, The Korea Times, Baltimore County, Welcome Home Realty, RNDC, and M&T Bank.

Jury Chairman Park Yoon-hoi (former professor of painting at Hongik University's College of Fine Arts) commented on the judging, "We focused on how students express their unique traits and creativity as they grow, rather than on competition. I hope this serves as an opportunity for students to develop their own perspectives on the world through self-observation."

Coordinator Choi Eun-hee stated, "Each year, we see an increase in participants and the quality of submissions, reflecting the students' passion and sincerity for art. We individually notified the winners selected on the 11th via email."

President Hwang Heung-ju added, "I hope this serves as an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons. The winning artworks will be displayed on the foundation's website."

Chairman Jung Yong-ik also emphasized, "We hope all students, not just the winners, will continue to pursue their dreams and ideals. The foundation will continue to support these efforts."

The awards ceremony and exhibition will be held on Sunday, the 19th at 4 PM, at the second floor of the Bayside Cantina banquet hall in Baltimore.

Below is the list of winners:

Sejong Scholarship Foundation Art Competition in America

Targeting K-12 students, registration ends on the 26th
04/18/2024

Photographer Yoon-Hoe Park,
Chairman of the judging panel for the Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America Art Contest

The Sejong Scholarship Foundation (President Heung-Ju Hwang) is hosting the '3rd Art Competition'.
The theme of the contest is 'When I Grow Up,' and applications must be submitted by the 26th (Friday). There is no entry fee.
The competition is open to all students from kindergarten (K) to 12th grade across the United States. Each participant can submit only one artwork with the dimensions of 9''x12''.
The application form can be downloaded from the foundation's website (ssfa.org) and submitted. Artworks can be mailed or directly submitted to the foundation's office located in Ellicott City (3300 N.Ridge Rd. Suite 380).
The awards are divided into four groups: early years (K-2nd), elementary (3rd-5th), middle (6th-8th), and high school (9th-12th). The grand prize is $150, with $100 for first place in each category, $75 for second place, $50 for third place, and a $10 encouragement prize. Special prizes will also be awarded.
Winners will be notified by email by May 11 (Saturday). The jury chairman is artist Yoon-Hoe Park, who graduated from Hongik University's Department of Painting and Graduate School and has held solo exhibitions at Shinsegae Gallery, Guwoldam Gallery, and Hyewon Gallery, and participated in many group exhibitions.
The exhibition and award ceremony will be held at Bayside Cantina Restaurant in Baltimore on May 19 (Sunday) at 4 PM.
For inquiries, call (410)746-5143, www.ssfa.org
-Reporter Bae Hee-Kyung-

2024 “When I Grow Up” Art Contest

Where do you see yourself in the future? Think about your loved ones, your community, and your dreams. Do you see yourself pursuing higher education or receiving specialized training for a dream career? Maybe, growing up is not about future careers, but rather how you plan on changing yourself or the world around you. Show us what you would like your life to be when you grow up!

Contest Rules
- Artwork must be submitted on a 9 x 12 inch piece of paper.
- Artwork must not be more than 1 inch thick.
- Each student may submit only one piece of artwork.
- Each piece of artwork must have a completed Entry Form attached to the back with tape or glue.
- Contestant must submit original designs postmarked before April 26, 2024 or or drop off their artwork at:
  
  AK & Associates PA
  C/O Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America
  3300 N. Ridge Rd. Suite 380
  Ellicott City, MD 21043
Entry Fee ($)
FREE!
Donations in any amount to support the next generation will be greatly appreciated. However, it will not increase your chances of winning.
Prizes
Grand Prize: $150 (1 winner)
1st Place: $100 (4 winners)
2nd Place: $75 (4 winners)
3rd Place: $50 (4 winners)
Honorable Mentions: $10
* SSFA reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value.

Judging

Judging will be done in four categories (K~2, 3~5, 6~8, 9~12) with a first, second, and third place winner in each category.
A panel of judges will determine winners through the submission’s creativity and portrayal of the theme (50%), artwork description (25%), and overall artistic ability and technique (25%).

*For any questions, please email:director@ssfa.org

Ceremony & Exhibition:

Ceremony will be held in-person Sunday, May 19, 2024 at:

Bayside Cantina
2809 Boston St
Baltimore, MD 21224

Doors will be opened at 3:30pm and winners will be announced at 4pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
Please dress smart casual.

Award Notification to Winners (Email): Saturday, May 11, 2024

RSVP Deadline for Art Contest Attendance: Thursday, May 16, 2024

2023 SCHOLARSHIP OF LOVE SPONSORSHIP GOLF INVITATION

10/08/2023

“Let’s Instill Dreams And Hopes In The Next Generation”

Golf competition sponsored by the Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America’s Scholarship of Love Sponsorship Golf Invitation

The Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (Chairman Hwang Heung-joo)'s annual Love Scholarship Sponsorship Invitational Golf Tournament was held at the Turf Valley Resort Golf Course in Ellicott City on the afternoon of the 8th. The proceeds from the competition held mainly by sponsors are used for scholarship projects for the next generation of outstanding students.

Yong-gi Kim won the medalist in the competition, which was held using the ‘best score’ method, in which teams of all ages and genders separately recorded their personal records and the best score for each hole to determine ranking. Also, the team of Jeon Yu-gwan, Kim Jin-man, Park Byeong-hoon, and Lee Sam-yong took first place. Also, Johnny Kim was lucky enough to get a hole-in-one on the 13th hole.

Chairman Hwang Heung-joo said, “For the past 25 years, our foundation has been providing scholarship support to students in local communities in need,” adding, “We are grateful for the continued support from not only the Korean community but also mainstream society, organizations, and corporations.”

Chairman Kim Gyeong-tae said, “I hope that we will continue to participate in this meaningful scholarship project that instills dreams and hopes in the promising next generation who will take responsibility for the future of our society.”

2023 “I AM PROUD” ART CONTEST EXHIBITION

05/07/2023

“Supporting the Growth of Youthful Artistry through SSFA in Baltimore, MD”

The second annual art contest award ceremony and exhibition, coordinated by the Sejong Scholarship Foundation (SSFA) under the guidance of its chairman, John Hwang, was held at the BaySide Cantina Restaurant in Baltimore on the 7th of May, 2023. A total of 30 winners, including Lydia Chandler (10), the first-place winner in the middle and high school category, were honored with certificates and awards. Chandler shared her appreciation, saying, "Through my artwork, I aimed to depict the various shapes and dreams within me based on the 'I Am Proud' theme."

Chairman John Hwang and Director Albert Kim underscored the importance of self-improvement via creativity and imagination in this year's contest. They unveiled plans to create diverse programs suited to each educational stage, ranging from kindergarten to university students, including essay competitions, and committed to providing the foundation's support. Chief Judge Choi Hyun-chil, a former professor at Hongik University's College of Fine Arts, noted, "The students displayed a wide range of unique ideas and creativity. Their willingness to experiment instead of solely relying on artistic techniques was inspiring and promising."

Coordinator Choi Eun-hee stated, "Many students participated and competed with excellent works," and she urged parents to show substantial interest and support their children's entries in the next year. Mandy Remmell, the Director of Community Engagement at Baltimore County, took pleasure in the county government's sponsorship of the longstanding Sejong Scholarship Foundation. She highly commended the foundation's role in enriching the local community through art competitions and various events, and wished for its sustained growth and progress. Parents who attended the event took pleasure in viewing the winning artworks and had enlightening conversations with their children about them.