Danny T. Le Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Application 2008

 

Danny Thanh Le was a great son, brother, and friend. A graduate of Alief Elsik High School in 2003, Danny went on to attend the University of Texas majoring in Biomedical Engineering. To his family and friends, Danny was an inspiration. He aspired to dedicate his life to helping others as a doctor.

Danny was one of the smartest and hardest working people we ever knew. He could have graduated high school without trying, but he studied anyways, knowing it would prepare him for college. At UT, he was majoring in Biomedical Engineering, had a 3.8 GPA, and was on his way to graduating with highest honors. Most people would be glad for an A, but Danny always challenged himself to go above and beyond.

Danny had the biggest heart. He always put everyone’s well-being first. Knowing others were happy made him happy. No wonder he wanted to dedicate his life to helping others.  He helped feed the needy during the holidays, and he tutored students during the school year.  These activities were among the countless selfless deeds Danny performed without ever a second thought or want of recognition.

Danny’s ultimate aspiration was to help alleviate medical poverty in third world countries through work with a medical humanitarian organization.

In his own words, Danny once wrote:

I aspire to continue my Biomedical Engineering education in a top Ph.D./M.D. program. Having both degrees will allow me to fulfill my dual ambitions of being a great teacher and a good researcher. First, a M.D. will allow me to spend a time in the field so that I can share my experiences with my students and teach by example. Secondly, a Ph.D. will reunite me with my love for research – specifically in gene therapy, genetics and computational science.

I want to contribute. As a child of Vietnamese immigrants – and as a human being – I have seen the horrors of a lack of medical care in third world countries. Advances in biomedical engineering have the potential to make health care more effective and more affordable.  I am willing to dedicate my life to that potential.

Unfortunately, a tragic drowning accident on April 8, 2006, stopped Danny from achieving his dreams. This scholarship, created by his friends and family, honors his memory by rewarding a student that demonstrates Danny’s passion for academic success and a life dedicated to the service of others.

Scholarship Selection Criteria

The Danny T. Le Memorial Scholarship is available to students of Vietnamese descent from the Greater Houston area pursuing further education.  The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and college students.  Each year, one student will receive a one-time scholarship of $1250.

Applicants must excel academically, be committed to community service, and have a strong determination to carry through their goals.

Requirements:

Successful applicant must demonstrate the following characteristics:

Essay Questions:

Include all three essays in one word document and upload along with your online application. 

Essay #1: What aspect of Vietnamese culture are you most proud of?  Describe your first-hand experiences with this aspect and how it has affected your personal growth. (300 words or less)

Essay #2: Analyze this quote from the perspective of your life: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt. (300 words or less)

Essay #3: Ten years from now you are a well-respected senior project leader in charge of developing a life-saving product. What would this product be? Why and how would you go about doing so? (300 words or less)

Application Process Checklist

Online Process:
  1. Complete online application: 2008 Form
  2. Upload resume with online application (Only one needed for all scholarships).
  3. Upload essays with online application
  4. Send ONE transcript (good for all scholarships you are applying to) to:
    Vietnamese American Scholarship Foundation
    P.O. Box 429
    Stafford, TX 77497
  5. Submit recommendation online (Only one needed for all scholarships): Recommendation Form
Mail In Process:
  1. Download and complete application form: 2008 Form
  2. Include printed resume with application form (Only one needed for all scholarships).
  3. Include printed essays with application form
  4. Include ONE transcript with application form (Only one needed for all scholarships)
  5. Include letter of recommendation with application form (Only one needed for all scholarships).
  6. Send all application material to:
    Vietnamese American Scholarship Foundation
    P.O. Box 429
    Stafford, TX 77497
  7. Mail-in applications must all be submitted together in one mailing.

All questions can be directed to dannylescholarship@vietscholarships.org

Deadline: May 5, 2008