Former Miss Thai and Miss Universe Porntip Bui Simon awarded 41 students the annual Angels Wings Foundation scholarship. According to South China Morning Post, Simon founded the foundation herself.
After being crowned Miss Universe in 1988, Simon was humbled by schools and orphanages in her native land of Thailand.
“Some of the schools had chalkboards in the dirt,” said Simon who appeared humbled by the experience.
Some of these college students are attending the best institutions in the U.S. including MIT, Stanford and UCLA. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need and a passion for their Thai heritage.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Thai national anthem was played before the ceremony began.
The foundation held the ceremony in July at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.
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