Good citizen wins national award

Hedy Chen A local student entering her senior year at Newbury Park High School has won a national award for citizenship and achievement.

Hedy Chen received the Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award sponsored by the Alexander Hamilton Friends Association (AHFA) in Seattle.

"I felt very honored," said Hedy when she found out. "I was definitely surprised and extremely shocked. It felt a little surreal at first."

Hedy received a $500 cash prize and will participate in leadership conferences and other events over the next four years. She was one of 50 students from around the country who received the award.

"The award was very competitive this year- over 400 applicants," said George T. Cox, president of AHFA. "Our goal is to identify young people who have set high standards for citizenship and achievement in their lives. We are very excited about Hedy's potential for future greatness. The Newbury Park community is lucky to have her as a resident."

Candidates are judged on their service achievements in high school and in their community.

Hedy said the two activities that really stand out so far in her high school career are mock trial and the school newspaper. Hedy will be president of the mock trial club next year, and she served as the newspaper's managing editor.

"I think what the AHFA was looking for is passion for what you are doing," Hedy said. "They want to see not only that you are involved in a lot of activities, but that you actually enjoy doing them and are passionate about them."

Hedy is also editor-in-chief of her school yearbook, vice president of speech and debate, president-elect of her school's Interact Club and National Honor Society treasurer.

She's received many awards, including the Hugh O' Brian Leadership Award and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

Hedy also spends a lot of time volunteering. She captained an 80member Relay for Life team and helps with homeless dinners at a local church. She volunteers at a hospital and spends part of her summers teaching English to students from China.

She lists Columbia, Georgetown and University of Pennsylvania as her top choices for college. She's considering majoring in journalism or economics.

"Writing and music have always been my two lifelong passions," Hedy said. She has played the piano competitively, although now it's something she practices in her free time.

In its first four years the AHFA has recognized nearly 300 young people for superior service and achievement.

"These young people give us tremendous hope," Cox said. "With proper attitude, support, experiences and inspiration I have no doubt they will achieve great things in their lives."

The organization is named for Alexander Hamilton, one of the most important of our 18th century Founding Fathers. Hamilton was the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, whose ideas are considered central to today's capitalist banking system.

Next year, Hedy will attend leadership training at the Alexander Hamilton Friends Association headquarters with other award winners, and they will go on to travel to the East Coast, Guatemala and other conference sites.