Lake Washington High School seniors Michelle May, Thomas Ly, Jiamin Wu, Jessica Truong and Annika Becker-Brown are the recipients of the 2014 Lily Waluconis Memorial Scholarships for exceptional academic achievement and commitment to social justice. The scholarship awards were given in a surprise classroom presentation.

May, who will be attending the University of Washington, received an award of $2,000; Ly, attending the University of Washington, and Wu, attending the University of Southern California, each received $1,000; and Truong, attending the University of Washington, and Becker-Brown, Gonzaga University, each received awards of $500.

In addition to high academic performance during the breadth of their high school careers, the recipients were asked to share their thoughts on what constituted a ‘just community.’ May wrote, ‘Strong communities are built upon the principles of equality and social justice…people need to work together to create an environment that is supportive and inclusive.”

Each of the award winners expressed their intention to work towards egalitarian and compassionate communities.

“This is our ninth year of honoring exceptional LWHS scholars,” said Gabe Waluconis, a trustee of the scholarship fund. “Next year, we are planning a bigger event to acknowledge the 10 year anniversary of the scholarship that honors my sister, Lily Waluconis, who graduated at the top of her class from Lake Washington High School in 2002. She then attended Carleton College and was about to graduate at the top of her college class when she passed away in 2006, receiving her Bachelor’s degree posthumously.”