Mark Owyong, 2012 Seymour Award Finalist

"Sometimes when talking to Mark about his days, I myself am exhausted just from hearing about his involvement", states El Diamante High School CSF advisor Nicole Bitney. She writes that sixteen hour days are not uncommon for Mark Owyong, starting at dawn, attending weight lifting class, four Advanced Placement and leadership courses, doing peer tutoring, attending club meetings, after school sports practice, evening leadership or sports events, and doing homework to maintain a 4.2 GPA. Ms. Bitney explains that Mark exemplifies the CSF motto of "Scholarship for Service", taking service to heart, being honored to serve his fellow students, and inspiring others to become involved. Even in the worst of circumstances, Mark remains supportive to his peers, and a positive role model. To quote Ms. Bitney, he is "a man of character and charm", "an exceptional student, I wish we could duplicate".

Principal of El Diamante High School, Michael Waters, describes Mark as being truly extraordinary in every way. He has the ability to communicate effectively, work with people of all ages and backgrounds, maintains positive relationships, and is well liked by his peers and teachers.

In Mark's personal statement, he expresses how important his family is to him, even with his busy schedule, and above accolades he has been given. He wants to follow his brother's heart and his father's determination, and become a pediatrician. Throughout his life, Mark has listened to his mother tell him in Burmese "Son carry the gold pot on your shoulder", and Mark writes, based on his mother's advice, "I have put my best foot forward and run as fast as I can, because essentially, it is a race to the finish line and nothing can slow me down". At this writing, Mark has been accepted to UC Irvine and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and plans to major in evolution and biology.