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Summerlin group awards scholarships

Se Ra Choi, Andrew Jacobson and Alexander Shen are recipients of the 2011 Summerlin Children's Forum scholarships. Each recipient receives $4,000 from the non-profit organization, which was established in 1997 by community leaders and The Howard Hughes Corp., Summerlin's developer.

During its 14-year history, the Summerlin Children's Forum has funded scholarships, enrichment grants and special educational programs totaling nearly $550,000. According to Randy Ecklund, executive director of the Summerlin's Children Forum, scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance and community involvement.

"The Summerlin Children's Forum recognizes highly accomplished and ambitious students," Ecklund said. "This year's recipients definitely fit that description. We wish them continued success as they pursue their college educations."

Choi graduated with a 4.8 weighted grade point average from Clark High School. She was enrolled in Clark's Academy of Math, Science and Applied Technology magnet program and was an active member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Medical Explorers. She has logged more than 500 volunteer hours at 21 different organizations, including World Changers, American Cancer Society, The Blind Center of Nevada, Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In addition, she served as an intern at Mountain View Hospital for more than 250 hours. She is a first-generation college student, attending the University of Southern California this fall with the goal of becoming a cardiac surgeon.

Lifelong Summerlin resident, Andrew Jacobson, graduated with a 4.8 weighted GPA from Palo Verde High School. Jacobson was a member of the National Honor Society, Forensics and College Club and team captain of the cross country and track and field teams. His long list of community service includes working with Opportunity Village, Assistance League of Nevada and volunteering at dozens of resident events coordinated by The Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association that oversees community programming.

Jacobson will major in economics at Rice University in Houston while running on the cross country and track and field teams and participating in other school activities.

Alexander Shen also graduated from Palo Verde High School with a 4.8 weighted GPA. Shen was the president of the National Honor Society, president and founding member of the computer club and member of the forensics team. He donated his time and service to Three Square Food Bank, Opportunity Village, Ronald McDonald House Charities and participated in service missions to Saipan, Haiti and Mexico.

He has a strong interest in international business and finance and will consider those majors during his tenure at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com or facebook.com/summerlinlv.

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