Summerlin Children's Forum awards scholarships

Recent graduates Kristin Still of Cimarron-Memorial High School and William Hsingyo Ma of Palo Verde High School were each awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Summerlin Children's Forum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for the community's young people.

They were recognized at the fifth Evening of Excellence organized by the forum to honor outstanding students, teachers and volunteer parents within the Summerlin educational community.

Still, who holds the distinction of being a Nevada Scholar (being at the top 10 percent of students in Nevada), will graduate with a 4.32 grade-point average and is ranked 32nd out of 496 students. She is a member of the National Honor Society and donates her time to Opportunity Village and area libraries.

Still said she typically expects the worst so she does not feel disappointed or sad when things don't work out like she planned.

This fall she will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and study business.

Ma, who is one of three valedictorians in his class, has maintained a straight A grade-point average while enrolled in numerous honors and Advance Placement courses. In his three years as a member of the National Honor Society, Ma has accumulated more than 300 hours of community service.

According to Dan Van Epp, president of The Howard Hughes Corp. and founder of the Summerlin Children's Forum, Still and Ma are shining examples of the today's youth.