May 7, 2013 Dear Friends: Our community stays strong because we encourage young people like Mary to stay dynamically committed to academic excellence and community service. And encourage Mary we did, thanks to friends like you and your support for our Annual Academic Awards Picnic. The Association of Vietnamese Americans (AVA), formerly known as Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association, invites you to invest in our future leaders by contributing to our 25th Annual Academic Awards Picnic. This much anticipated event will honor, celebrate and award hardworking Vietnamese American students, committed teachers, and involved parents in Montgomery County. The exciting event will be held June 9th, 2013 from 10am to 2pm at Bohrer Park Pond Pavilion located at 506 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (adjacent to Gaithersburg High School). Each year, every school in Montgomery County is given the opportunity to nominate their brightest Vietnamese American students from K-12. It is this tireless effort—tracking grades, examining extra-curricular activities, reviewing letters of recommendation—that makes this awards ceremony possible. In addition to awards, every year AVA also provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior who has shown, through academic and volunteerism, his/her commitment to enriching the community through his/her pursuit of higher education. Our goal is simple: to nurture and empower a future generation of conscientious leaders. Bright students don’t spring from the sky, however. It truly takes a village to raise a child. That’s why we honor and recognize the students’ teachers who have spent so much time encouraging these young people as well as their parents, without whose love and support the students would not have the energy or courage to drive forward. Donations from supporters like you ensure that each nominated Vietnamese American student and influential teacher will be honored for their ongoing academic excellence. Note that the money raised at the picnic will go towards the picnic, awards, scholarships, and educational programs at AVA. Thank you very much in advance for your tax-deductible contribution. No amount would be too small. Sincerely yours, Thomas Tran Executive Director

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