In December 2024, Johnny Wong’s family proposed new memorial scholarships to the Gom Benn Scholarship Fund executive board. But what kind? Weeks later, on January 7, 2025, catastropic firestorms devastated the Los Angeles communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The disasters reminded of us of our need to lend a hand — whether after a tragedy or just day-to-day. Johnny Wong’s family decided to add two community service awards.
“We believe that Johnny would have wanted us to honor students who volunteer to help others in need, or otherwise make meaningful contributions to their community,” said May Quan Wong, Johnny’s wife.
The two award winners each volunteered for more than 400 hours of community service during the 2024-25 school year (beginning well before the tragic fires.)
Marcus Hau was presented the 2025 Roy & Gim Oi Lim Memorial Scholarship as the top high school senior, in addition to being honored with the Johnny Wong Community Service Award for his exceptional volunteer service. His career goal is to be an air traffic controller. His interests include tennis, history and traveling. He is the great-grandson of Sui Ching Lau.
Madeline Cheng is an eighth grader who was presented another of the Johnny Wong Community Service Awards. Her career goal is to be a zoologist. Her interests include dancing, crocheting, Girl Scouts, and attending concerts. She is the great-granddaughter of Bing K. Wong.
