Student Representative of the World Hug Foundation, Lauren Yehwa Seo, receives “President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award” from U.S. President Biden.

Jun 26, 2023, 12:56 pm

President Biden: "I am grateful for Lauren Yehwa Seo's volunteering and leadership."

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"Lauren Yehwa Seo (left), the Student Representative of the World Hug Foundation worldwide, received the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award ' from New York’s Assembly Member, Edward Gibbs, on behalf of President Biden on the 14th of last month in New York City. / Photo: World Hug Foundation."

Lauren Yehwa Seo (18), the student representative of the World Hug Foundation, has received the 'President's Gold Volunteer Service Award' presented by President Joe Biden of the United States.

Recognized for exemplary volunteerism and dedication in both Korean and American societies, Lauren Yehwa Seo has been acknowledged for her devoted activities as the global student representative for the World Hug Foundation. On the 14th of last month (local time), New York City Assembly Member, Edward Gibbs, presented Seo Yehwa with the 'President's Gold Volunteer Service Award' on behalf of President Biden in New York City.

Lauren Yehwa Seo has actively engaged in various activities advocating for the passage and final enactment of the U.S. Adoptee Citizenship Act in the Senate. Her contribution of dedicated volunteer work as a student in Korean and American societies has earned her the prestigious honor of receiving the 'President's Gold Volunteer Service Award'

Furthermore, he emphasized, "The great history of the United States has been written by individuals who combine an optimistic perspective with the resilience to turn their vision into reality. Those who volunteer and dedicate themselves to serving their local communities and the nation are essential in achieving the complete unity of this country."

In particular, President Biden stated, "Lauren Yehwa Seo has invested her time and passion in identifying and presenting solutions to the challenges faced by American society," adding, "These solutions are more necessary in our society now than ever before."

President Biden explained, "We are living in an era that requires the light of hope and love. Through volunteerism and dedication, the Western civilization has provided all three: the light for our future, the path we should pursue, and the love for our neighbors."

President Biden expressed his sincere gratitude for Lauren Yehwa Seo's voluntary service and leadership, representing all the American people. He stated, "I genuinely appreciate the volunteering and leadership of Lauren Yehwa Seo, which represents all Americans. I hope for continued participation and dedication to service in the future," while extending warm congratulations and encouragement.

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President Biden of the United States. / Photo: Yonhap News

The award ceremony was attended by various individuals, including Edward Gibbs, an assembly member of New York State, as well as Antonio Rivera, the chairman of the World Hug Foundation, and Joanna Gill, the director of the World Hug Foundation. They engaged in in-depth discussions on various issues and solutions pertaining to the United States and Asian societies.

Lauren Yehwa Seo, who serves as the student representative of the World Hug Foundation, planned and carried out nationwide activities in 2022 to support Korean adoptees adopted into the United States and advocate for the passage of the U.S. Adoptee Citizenship Act through a campaign in South Korea. As a student at SDC International School Academy, she took part as a student leader in organizing the "Welcome the U.S. House of Representatives Call for the Passage of the U.S. Adoptee Citizenship Act SDC Love for the Country Concert," raising awareness not only for Korean adoptees facing difficulties in American society but also for individuals from various backgrounds.

Lauren Yehwa Seo personally planned and led the Youth Prayer Gathering for Love of Country, urging interest in American society and Korean adoptees in the United States. Through various activities, including sharing visions with youth and global leaders and praying for the world, she is actively researching and engaging in efforts to contribute to global society beyond the boundaries of the United States and South Korea.

In July 2022, Lauren Yehwa Seo received the Speaker's Award at a writing event on school violence prevention held at the Korean National Assembly. She also delivered a presentation during the panel discussion, addressing the causes of school violence and prevention measures, and proposed ways to address social issues in South Korea.

In November 2022, Lauren Yehwa Seo participated in the "2nd Global Leadership Development English Academic Paper Presentation Competition," held at the National Assembly Member's Office Building, with the aim of nurturing global leaders. She presented her paper titled "A Study on Legal Protection of Korean Adoptee to the U.S. and Sponsorship Campaign in Korea" in English and was awarded the Best Paper Award presented by Member of the National Assembly Sungjoong Park.

For Lauren Yehwa Seo, this competition provided a valuable opportunity to contemplate and take action for those facing issues and loopholes in social systems in American society. She expressed deep gratitude, stating that it served as a meaningful motivation to continue researching ways to address various social issues and assist the socially vulnerable even after entering society as an adult.

During the event, Lauren Yehwa Seo explained the education of students aspiring to become global leaders, transcending Korea and reaching the United States and the world, in conjunction with the five-tier leadership education of SDC International School Academy, focusing on Rationality, Intelligence, Sensibility, Fitness and Spirituality.

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President Biden awarded Lauren Yehwa Seo with the "President's Gold Volunteer Service Award" in recognition of her outstanding volunteerism and dedication to both American and Korean societies. / Photo: World Hug Foundation

Representative Edward Gibbs stated, "SDC International School Academy, led by Director Dae Cheon Seo, offers a five-star education focusing on Rationality, Intelligence, Sensibility, Fitness and Spirituality. This type of education is critically needed in present-day America, and it is a crucial aspect to learn. I am deeply impressed by SDC’s educational system."

Gibbs continued, "I was astonished to learn that Lauren Yehwa Seo was accepted into Harvard Summer School and participated in a seven-week education program at Harvard University. It is truly an honor and a meaningful occasion to be here together. On behalf of the people in the United States, I wholeheartedly congratulate Lauren Yehwa Seo on her acceptance to Harvard Summer School. She is an exceptional student, and if we send true talents like her as exchange students to the United States, we can even arrange internships for them."

Harvard Summer School is a summer program hosted by Harvard University, where students spend a total of seven weeks attending Harvard courses and living on campus. They receive intensive guidance and support from Harvard professors and admissions officers.

The Harvard Summer School program consists mostly of students from 47 different states in the United States and includes outstanding students from 73 countries worldwide. Among them, Lauren Yehwa Seo represents Korea and is participating in the Harvard Summer School from June 17th to August 4th, transcending experiences in both Korea and the United States.

Harvard Summer School is a program that offers over 200 courses for a duration of 7 weeks. Students can choose classes in their field of interest or ones they deem necessary. All courses are taught by professors from Harvard and other Ivy League universities.

Harvard Summer School requires high TOEFL scores and school grades starting from the 9th grade. Most applicants submit school grades close to perfect scores. In addition to a self-introductory essay, applicants are also expected to write four essays that demonstrate their creative thinking abilities and showcase their qualifications to study at Harvard Summer School. These essays, with thought-provoking topics and formats, evaluate the student's thoughts, perspectives, and English proficiency, ultimately determining their acceptance into the program.

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Lauren Yehwa Seo, a student representative of the World Hug Foundation, received the "President's Gold Volunteer Service Award" presented by President Biden of the United States. In the photo, from left to right, are Antonio Rivera, President of the World Hug Foundation, Reverend Dae Cheon Seo of Holyseeds Church (Director of SDC International School Academy), Lauren Yehwa Seo, Assembly Member Edward Gibbs from New York State, and Joanna Gill, Director of the World Hug Foundation. [Photo: World Hug Foundation]

Lauren Yehwa Seo stated, "I consider it an honor to work as a student representative of the World Hug Foundation, focusing on the passage of the U.S. Adoptee Citizenship Act. It has been a great opportunity to address issues in Korean-American society and seek ways to move forward." She further expressed her vision of continuing to promote Korean SDC education in the United States, serving and volunteering for the love of country and the local community, and conducting research on international issues.

Lauren Yehwa Seo declared, "As a Korean, I will always have pride and strive for the betterment of my country and the world." She pledged to engage in proud activities as a Korean who serves and dedicates herself with the honor and pride of being a graduate of SDC International School Academy.

Joanna Gill, Director of the World Hug Foundation, congratulated Lauren Yehwa Seo on receiving the "President's Gold Volunteer Service Award." She expressed deep admiration upon witnessing Seo's vibrant and enthusiastic spirit of serving others, stating, "Through the 5-star leadership education of SDC International School Academy, which focuses on Rationality, Intelligence, Sensibility, Fitness and Spirituality, I saw a bright future for South Korea in Lauren Yehwa Seo, who dreams of becoming a global leader."

Renowned journalist Kang Hyung-won, who has received the Pulitzer Prize, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of journalism, and worked as a staff member in the White House, congratulated Lauren Yehwa Seo, a student who has been actively involved in fundraising campaigns to support Korean adoptees in the United States and is receiving the "President's Gold Volunteer Service Award" from President Biden. Kang Hyung-won stated, "The awarding of the 'President's Gold Volunteer Service Award' to Lauren Yehwa Seo is a highly meaningful and valuable recognition of her practice of citizenship, which is the responsibility and obligation of each of us in American society, reflecting the core values we all uphold."

Lauren Yehwa Seo has been recognized for her various activities and contributions in support of the passage and final enactment of the U.S. Adoptee Citizenship Act. In February 2023, she received commendations from Charles Schumer, the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, and Edward Gibbs, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.

Charles E. Schumer, the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, acknowledged Lauren Yehwa Seo's outstanding student volunteer service as a student representative of the World Hug Foundation and presented her with an award. He also recognized her exemplary community service and dedication to the World Hug Foundation.

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Lauren Yehwa Seo, the student of representative of the World Hug Foundation, is participating in the Harvard Summer School from June 17th to August 4th, a seven-week program held at Harvard University. She is seen in the photograph, capturing the moment against the backdrop of the Harvard University campus.