teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
18, Senior at Saint James School
notable
National Honor Society; Film Club; Journalism; Church Youth
Group Board Member; Music Gifted School; Jazz Band; Student
Ambassador; Hyundai Korean School
how it began
After middle school, David Ye’s family relocated to the United
States from Korea due to his father’s job. Although it wasn’t an
easy transition, with the support from his family and especially
his older brother Dewey, David has excelled in many areas.
At Saint James School, David is a member of several honor
societies including math, French, music and the National Honor
Society. He’s participated in the Alabama Statewide Mathematics
Contest where his team won first place in District VI & I, and he
is a member of the Japanese Club, Film Club, Drama Club, Math
Club, Stands up for Cancer Club, Journalism and Jazz Band.
Every Saturday, David can be found teaching children Korean
at the Hyundai Korean School. He has a special interest in music,
playing keyboard in the Jazz Band and in the Church Youth
Band, and participates in the Music Gifted School.
what’s next
After high school, “I want to establish an aviation-related
company because I love airplanes, airlines, airports, and any of
those kind of things,” David said.
PG (parental guidance) rating
David counts his parents as his best advisors and friends. “My
parents have educated me to be respectful, considerate and
loved. Under their endless support, I realized that what I need is
to spread equally as much as I received from them such as love,
generosity or solicitude.”
He also looks up to his older brother Dewey, who taught him
to “Look further than what you are thinking right now to get
more solutions.”
david ye
Montgomery, AL
parents’ perspective
Jongwha Ye and Youngae Hwang are proud of their son’s love for
others. “We are glad that our son just loves people regardless,” said
Youngae Hwang. “We have taught him to behave naturally in any
environment or situation. If he made a decision, we supported him
actively!”
parent-to-parent
David’s mother, Youngae Hwang grew up learning to be
giving, a lesson she aspires to pass down to her sons.
Youngae watched her parents live as though they were
dying, a symbol which she found to be admirable and credits as “the
best education” she’s ever received.
“We found that your life will be more harmonious if you become
diligent to yourself but leisurely to others,” Youngae said.
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