Winners of 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards announced

The Korea Times has selected 12 students, one teacher and one institution as winners of the 12th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards.

Nurgashevadilbek, a student at Kyongil High School of Tourism and Business Management in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, won the grand prize to be presented by Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hyun-sook.

Born to Kazakhstani parents, the 18-year-old was recognized for his forward-looking attitude and leadership, which led him to be elected president of the student council of the school. He is the first student president with a multicultural background in the school’s history.

The Korea Times also selected two outstanding students each from the elementary, middle and high school levels.

The winners are Mariko Ryo Elmir at Daegu Sindang Elementary School, Huang Zhien at Wonmi Elementary School, Park Ji-yeong at Jongchon Middle School, Park Soo-bin at Wonil Middle School, Park Su-min at Gangwon Myeongjin School for the Blind and Youk Min-soo from Sejong Academy of Science and Arts.

Park Hye-mi from Gwangju Dongshin Girls’ Middle School won the special jury award, while Vanessa Lee from Sangtap Elementary School won the Semoon Chang Award presented to students with exceptional talent in foreign languages.

Yang Yuri from Sinyong Elementary School received the Korean Association for Multicultural Education Award, while two special awards went to Nguyen Duc Toan from Youngseok High School and Choe Dae-gwon from Geumho Middle School.

Lim Mi-eun, a teacher working for Sunil Middle School, and Happinesscenter, which offers education and support for multicultural families, were picked in the volunteer category.

Each of the winners will receive 1 million won ($750) and a plaque at an awards ceremony to be held on Dec. 14 at the Korea Press Center in Seoul.