The Monterey Park Mustangs is pleased to present up to $1000.00 scholarships and awards to selected graduating high school senior boys and/or girls who best fulfill the eligibility requirements described below. Any recipient of a Monterey Park Mustangs scholarship or award must apply the scholarship or award toward his/her continuing education costs.

Kevyn Nojima Memorial Scholarship

The Kevyn Nojima Memorial Academic Scholarship is awarded in honor of former Mustangs member, Kevyn Nojima. Kevyn began playing basketball with the Mustangs at age 7. At Schurr High School, Kevyn served as varsity captain and point guard for his team, which captured the co-league championship. Kevyn earned first team all-league honors. Despite a cancer diagnosis at age 19, Kevyn continued to coach Mustangs teams, work with the LA Clippers on video projects, and attend ELACC studying communications. Prior to his death, Kevyn set up a foundation to help other terminal cancer patients.

This Scholarship is awarded to the student who 1) satisfies high academic standards, 2) demonstrates SERVICE to the Monterey Park Mustangs and his/her community, and 3) exhibits admirable sportsmanship and leadership.

This Scholarship recognizes youths who exhibit academic excellence while serving as well-rounded role models for the younger members in the Monterey Park Mustangs organization.

ELIGIBILITY – An eligible applicant must satisfy each of the following:

1. High school senior in the 2025-2026 school year, who successfully graduates from high school in 2026.
2. Overall minimum non-weighted GPA of 3.0 received in the 10th grade, 11th grade and the first semester of the 12th grade (as noted below, must be verified by official copy of high school transcript).
3. Demonstrates commitment to community service, preferably toward youth sports programs in the Monterey Park Mustangs and CYC/JAO.
4. Minimum of five years as a Monterey Park Mustangs member prior to high school, and minimum of two years of active participation (as player, coach and/or service volunteer) with Monterey Park Mustangs during high school with at least one year during junior or senior year.

Exceptions may be considered by the Selection Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Yoshi Hirai Memorial Service Award

The Yosh Hirai Memorial Service Award is awarded in honor of former Mustangs coach and volunteer, Yosh Hirai. Yosh developed his love for basketball at an early age, and continued to play throughout his life. In addition to playing basketball, Yosh devoted countless hours volunteering, coaching, organizing and assisting with numerous community organizations, including Monterey Park Mustangs, CYC, Bella Vista Optimist, Little Tokyo Rec. Center and Monterey Park Citizen Patrol. Yosh endeared himself to all those around him with his easy smile, friendliness and sense of humor.

This Service Award is given to the student who 1) demonstrates SERVICE to the Monterey Park Mustangs and his/her community, and 2) exhibits admirable sportsmanship and leadership.

This Service Award recognizes youths who serve as well-rounded role models for the younger members in the Monterey Park Mustangs organization.

ELIGIBILITY – An eligible applicant must satisfy each of the following:

1. High school senior in the 2025-2026 school year, who successfully graduates from high school in 2026.
2. Overall minimum non-weighted GPA of 2.0 received in the 10th grade, 11th grade and the first semester of the 12th grade (as noted below, must be verified by official copy of high school transcript).
3. Demonstrates commitment to community service, preferably toward youth sports programs in the Monterey Park Mustangs and CYC/JAO.
4. Minimum of five years as a Monterey Park Mustangs member prior to high school, and minimum of two years of active participation (as player, coach and/or service volunteer) with Monterey Park Mustangs during high school with at least one year during junior or senior year.

Exceptions may be considered by the Selection Committee on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
A completed application packet must be received by May 31, 2026.

NOTIFICATION
• Applicants will be sent an email acknowledging receipt of application packet.
• If necessary, applicant will be contacted by June 5, 2026 to schedule an interview.
• All applicants should receive an email by July 1, 2026 regarding scholarship decision.

SELECTION CRITERIA
This scholarship will be awarded to applicants with the highest point totals based on the following weighting:
40% - Volunteer
30% - Non-weighted GPA
10% - Essay
10% - Interview
10% - Letters of Recommendation

Please note that all information contained in this application will be held strictly confidential and will be used only by the Monterey Park Mustangs Scholarship / Award Committee. Such information will not be available for public viewing or disclosed through any public record.

GPA is based on the 4.0 numbering system (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0). An average of all letter grades, excluding physical education grades, will be used to calculate the GPA. Plus (+) and minus (-) are not recognized and shall be omitted from the letter grade when determining the overall GPA. Special credit or extra points towards the GPA will not be awarded to students taking Advanced Placement courses or any other classes for college credit.

For only the Kevyn Nojima Memorial Scholarship, please submit an official copy of your school transcript to verify grades. Please make sure your transcript includes the grades for the first semester of your 12th grade year.

Please ask your high school office to email a copy of your official transcript to scholarship@mpmustangs.org OR mail a copy of your offical transcript to 1255 Corporate Center Drive, Suite #110, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

List all events, activities, and volunteer hours provided in support of service to basketball (example: coaching, refereeing, score keeping, etc.) for the Monterey Park Mustangs, CYC, or JAO. Starting from the ninth grade, please list the event/activity and hours volunteered per grade. If necessary, use "Add Add'l Entry" to include more.

List all community service activities that you are or have been involved in (church, hospital, scouting,etc.). Provide the grade, a brief description of the activity, and the number of hours you participated in each activity. If necessary, use "Add Add'l Entry" to include more.

List all high school activities (student government, clubs, service organizations, sports teams, etc.) in which you participated from 9th through 12th grade, and provide the duration of your participation. If necessary, use "Add Add'l Entry" to include more.

List any special, extracurricular activities (outside of school) that you participated in (example: sports activities, martial arts, music, special hobbies, theater arts, etc.) and the length of time you participated. If necessary, use "Add Add'l Entry" to include more.

List any special awards you have received during your high school years. If necessary, use "Add Add'l Entry" to include more.

Two letters of recommendation are required. One must be from an active school official (teacher or counselor) and the other from a non-relative. 

Please write a brief essay explaining how you have benefited by being a Monterey Park Mustangs member. Please include any memorable experiences you have had as a Mustangs member and how they have impacted your life. Your essay length should not exceed 500 words.