Lions Club writes checks for college freshmen

The Valley Stream Lions Club presented scholarships to a pair or recent high school graduates last week, an annual tradition of the service organization. The soon-to-be college freshman, Stephen Japra and Jordan Woo, each received a $1,000 scholarship at Goldie’s Restaurant in Gibson on Aug. 17.

Jim Zabatta, chairman of the Lions Scholarship Committee, said there were a record 25 applicants this year. Japra, Woo and Hao-Min Chang, a third recipient who was unable to attend the dinner, were chosen because of their grades, financial need and community service.

“They stood out as kids who were very involved in their community and school,” Zabatta said. “It was very hard to choose.”

Japra recently graduated from Valley Stream North High School, where he was active in numerous clubs including Future Business Leaders of America, the Engineering Club, Ecology Club, It’s Academic quiz bowl team and Mathletes. He also played soccer and volleyball, and ran track.

Woo graduated in June from Central High School. He was president of his class for four years, starred in a half-dozen performances with the drama club and played volleyball and football. He also participated in numerous benefit events including a breast cancer walk, food drives and blood drives. Both Woo and Japra attended Wheeler Avenue School.

Japra will be attending St. John’s University this fall. He said he wanted to stay local and really liked the college. With hopes to open up his own business someday, Japra said he plans to major in finance and will be enrolled in the university’s business school. But he also said he might give the pre-medical program a try.

Also staying close to home, Woo will be continuing his education at Hofstra University. He will be studying to become a math teacher. Woo said one of the most influential teachers in his life was a math teacher, plus he says he’s good with numbers.

“My family’s very close so I knew I wanted to say home,” Woo said about choosing Hofstra. “It’s a big name school on Long Island.”

Woo found out about the Lions Club scholarship through his high school guidance office. He said he came home for lunch one afternoon, checked the mail and found the letter from the club saying that he received the award, and inviting him to the scholarship dinner. “It’s going straight to tuition,” he said of the money. “I’m excited. Every little bit helps. I’m a broke college kid now.”

Japra, who learned about the scholarship opportunity from his guidance counselor, said this was the only one he applied for and was pleased to receive the financial support from the Lions Club. “It’s going to help pay for college,” he said. “It’s going to help a lot. I’m ecstatic.”

His younger brother, Kenji, brought him the letter from the Lions Club one morning when he was sleeping. “I woke up to good news,” he said.

Outside of school, Japra is learning to become a lifeguard and also is planning to be a volunteer Auxiliary Police officer in Valley Stream. He plays the piano and violin, and speaks German, Spanish and Punjabi.

Japra said he is familiar with the work of the Lions Club and is particularly impressed by the work its members do to help the blind. Woo, since receiving the award, also got to know more about the organization. “Now that I’m learning about the Lions Club, they are a great group,” he said. “They help out the community a lot.”

Chang, who graduated from North High School, will attend the University at Buffalo. He plays the violin, took numerous Advanced Placement courses and was Homecoming King this past year.