2 North Hollywood High Students Chosen as Milken Scholars

Fourteen high school seniors from Los Angeles County were chosen as Milken Scholars, honoring their academic performance, community service and leadership activities, the Milken Family Foundation announced today.

"The remarkable young women and men who've been selected as Milken Scholars over the past 23 years have consistently worked to make the world a better place," said Milken Family Foundation co-founder Michael Milken. "Whether they become doctors, research scientists, educators, entrepreneurs or diplomats, the common denominator of their pursuits has been a genuine sense of service."

The Southland students join seven others from New York City as 2012 recipients of the scholarships.

Scholars are also chosen through a rigorous selection process that includes an application, submission of letters of recommendation, high school transcripts and a financial aid profile, according to the foundation.

Honorees receive a $10,000 scholarship plus opportunities for ongoing mentoring, counseling, assistance with internships, opportunities for community service and access to a variety of resources for their academic and professional careers.

According to the program, more than 300 Milken Scholars hail from diverse backgrounds with nearly one-third born outside the United States and three-quarters with parents originating from more than 50 countries.

All scholars are invited to attend a three-day annual summit in Los Angeles, where MFF staff and speakers provide a forum for the participants to discuss issues crucial to their future success.

The Los Angeles scholars are:

-- Kennedy Agwamba, North Hollywood High School's Highly Gifted Magnet;

-- Victor Arechiga, South East High School;

-- Shilpa Bhongir, Granada Hills Charter High School;

-- Lucky Ding, Agoura High School;

-- Jasmine Fernandez, Eagle Rock High School;

-- Nicholas Fine, Palos Verdes High School;

-- Nhi Ho, Santa Monica High School;

-- Jacob Kim, Village Christian School;

-- Joshua Lee, North Hollywood High School's Highly Gifted Magnet;

-- Joy Ohiomoba, Redondo Union High School;

-- Dennis Ojogho, Los Angeles High School;

-- Vaneshia Reed, Middle College High School;

-- David Wang, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School; and

-- Caitlin Zellers, Palos Verdes High School.