Two GCC students who competed in the “most prestigious essay-writing contest in the United States sponsored by a branch of the Korean government,” according to GCC professor John Song,, placed within the top eight scorers.

Michelle Lee and David Kim received an honorable mention and the bronze medal, respectively. Along with the bronze, Kim took home an acceptance letter into Seoul National University. “Its equivalent in the United States is Harvard,” said Song. Along with his acceptance, Kim’s award included half of his

tuition cost covered by the university.

Eight prizes were given away to the top scorers. “Michelle made the top cut,” Song said.

She received a certificate and a gift from one of the sponsors.
The contest was held at the Korean Culture Center in Los Angeles. The age of the participants ranged between 16 and early 40s.

With close to 55 participants from all over the greater Los Angeles area, competitors included students from USC and UCLA

and teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District.