Summerlin Children’s Forum awards scholarships to Palo Verde students

Summerlin residents and Palo Verde High School students, Matthew Phillips and Erwin Kim, have each been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Summerlin Children's Forum, an organization established in 1997 by community leaders and The Howard Hughes Corp. to improve the quality of education for Summerlin children and families.

During its 12-year history, the Summerlin Children's Forum has funded scholarships, enrichment grants and special educational programs totaling more than $500,000. All of Summerlin's 23 public and private schools are eligible to participate in the Summerlin Children's Forum.

According to Kevin Orrock, president of the Summerlin Children's Forum and top division executive of The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, both scholarship recipients have an impressive record of academic achievements and community service.

"These are intelligent, well-rounded, determined young men who have successfully balanced many activities," he said. "They are well deserving of this recognition."

Phillips graduated as valedictorian from Palo Verde High School with a 4.8 weighted grade point average, making him the highest ranked graduate in his class of 682. He will attend Brigham Young University in Utah this fall and plans to study chemistry and music prior to applying for medical school. Ultimately, Phillips would like to become a surgeon.

"The medical field offers many opportunities to help those who are less fortunate both in the community and abroad," Phillips said. "Service has been an important part of my life. With the proper education and experience, I believe I can be an instrument for good."

Phillips' track record of volunteerism demonstrates his commitment to service. During his three-year membership in the National Honor Society, Phillips completed 221 hours of community service. As a nine-year member of the Boys Scouts of America, Phillips participated in dozens of food drives and community beautification projects, including his own service project which earned him the highest youth scout ranking of Eagle Scout.

While at Palo Verde, Phillips participated in National Honor Society, student council, volleyball, All State Honor Band, Clark County Honor Band, Regional Solo and Ensemble, Clark County Solo and Ensemble, Varsity Band Wind Ensemble, Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, marching band, soccer and the Medical Explores Club.

Erwin Kim graduated with a 4.5 GPA and is headed to the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts this fall. Ultimately, Kim also hopes to become a physician.

"I have always maintained the belief that the best thing a person can accomplish in their life is to help an individual in need," Kim said. "That is why I want to pursue a career in medicine."

While at Palo Verde, Kim was involved in the National Honor Society, Community Forum and Generation against Global Injustice. He was also involved in local politics serving 172 hours as a student intern with Obama for America in Las Vegas during the summer and fall of 2008. To date, Kim has logged more than 250 volunteer hours for multiple nonprofit organizations and more than 700 hours as a volunteer at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center.

"The caliber of students in Summerlin schools is a compliment to teachers and parents within the community," Orrock said.

"We are exceedingly proud of their accomplishments and are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to their ongoing educational experiences."

For more information on Summerlin, call 888-898-5015 or visit summerlin.com.