Community June 5, 2017 THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 11 Empathy, compassion incites Metro East princess to serve others By Maileen Hamto The Asian Reporter ecognizing the importance of helping girls and young women sustain friendships by resolving conflict in a constructive way, Madisyn Montgomery has been working on growing a movement to “revolutionize kindness.” Long before she had an opportunity to be part of the 2017 Portland Rose Festival Court as the Metro East princess, Madisyn created and founded Continue To Find Kindness. At age 11, she was inspired to help young girls recognize and resolve bullying. “I’ve witnessed friends and strangers alike experience harassment without the guidance or self-confidence to stand up against mean behavior,” said Madisyn, “It’s extremely hurtful to see not only a lack of kindness, but pure cruelty take place without anyone to stop it.” Madisyn was in the fourth grade when she addressed her first audience. She was humbled and inspired by the response. “I still treasure a package of letters handwritten from my first presentation at my old elementary school,” she said. “They shared their appreciation, improved understanding, and newfound confidence to tackle the ‘mean girl’ phenomenon.” Fast forward six years, and Continue To Find Kindness has grown to include nine additional board members. Together, Madisyn and her colleagues have spoken to more than 2,000 students throughout Oregon. They inform, teach, and inspire young girls to prevent social conflict by learning how to defend themselves and others against bullying. Madisyn finds great satisfaction in connecting with young people first-hand and seeing the results of their work in self-confident youth with newfound tools to confront bullying. Compassion and empathy guide Madi- syn’s service for her school and commu- nity. In fact, her focus on serving others extends beyond the infrastructure she has built around Continue To Find Kindness. She also volunteers as a peer counsellor for OUTGOING ORGANIZER. The 2017 Portland Rose Festival Metro East princess is Madisyn Montgom- ery, a junior at Oregon City High School. Montgomery (left photo) is seen with cousins Kylee and Chloe (middle photo) on March 22 after she was announced as her school’s representative. In the right photo, Madisyn gives a presentation at Riverside Elementary School for Continue To Find Kindness, an organization she created and founded to help young girls recognize and resolve bullying. The Portland Rose Festival’s Queen’s Coronation takes place Saturday, June 10 at Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Youthline, a teen-crisis hotline that ments.” Madisyn credits the strong support of provides free, anonymous, and confidential emotional support for young her family in encouraging her continued service. Being part Cambodian, she also people around the globe. “The ability to turn someone’s day appreciates the opportunity to learn about around during one phone call or exchange Khmer culture through food, traditions, of texts is beyond humbling and fulfilling. and family gatherings. “Like many cultures, our family is very Despite the struggles we face in life, Youthline is an incredible support system large. In fact, my younger brother is the that listens when no one else will,” 26th grandchild to my mom’s mother!” said Madisyn. “The bustling family get-togeth- Madisyn said. In addition to service work, Madisyn is ers are always something I look forward to president of the Oregon Association of Stu- with an abundance of personality and dent Councils, where she works with eight food.” Madisyn said she is “extremely honored” other student leaders representing vari- ous regions of Oregon to develop and in- to represent Metro East and Oregon City High School on this year’s Rose Festival spire students to become effective leaders. “I take pride in being a part of this Court. Over the past months, she has organization, as I have grown significantly accumulated many new memories with since my first summer camp going into my her “sister princesses” at countless freshman year,” she said. “I have learned community events and appearances. “I am constantly looking forward to the so much about myself and my potential that has surely propelled me through next adventure! Everywhere from the challenges and in reaching my achieve- adidas village to the Doernbecher Photo courtesy of Madisyn Montgomery Photo courtesy of Madisyn Montgomery Photo/Prince Charming Photography R Children’s Hospital, I am continually intrigued and happy to have the ability to share the Rose Festival celebration with all,” she said. A Rose Festival princess represents her school and acts as the “face of the Rose Festival” at many events in the community, including parades, volunteer activities, luncheons with community and business leaders, and more. The Portland Rose Festival Foundation awards each court member a $3,500 scholarship, courtesy of The Randall Group. To qualify for the Rose Festival Court, a candidate must be a full-time junior or senior at a 4A, 5A, or 6A high school in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas county and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Potential princesses are evaluated on citizenship, scholastic achievement, school activities, civic involvement, volunteer projects, communication skills, and overall impression. The Portland Rose Festival Queen is chosen from all of the court members at Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, June 10 from 8:30am to 9:30am. To learn more, call (503) 227-2681 or visit . Asian players now in nearly every division in the majors MAJOR-LEAGUE TALENT. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo (left photo) of the Texas Rangers safely reaches second base in a Major League Base- ball (MLB) game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Arlington, Texas. Unlike most Asian players, Korea- born Choo has spent his entire pro career in America. In the right photo, Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Koji Uehara pitches during the seventh inning of a MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh. The Cubs bolstered its bullpen this year with Uehara, who has pitched for four different MLB clubs since coming from Nippon Professional Baseball in 2009. can help them get there, too. The Seattle Mariners, in the same division, have imported plenty of Japanese talent, including Hisashi Iwakuma. His solid but unspectacular numbers during 10 NPB seasons meant his 2012 signing was overshadowed by the Darvish acquisition. Yet Iwakuma has won 17 AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar Unlike most Asian players, the Korea-born Choo has spent his entire pro career in America. He played his peak years with Cleveland, and his performance has declined since he came to Texas in 2014. Injuries sidelined him, and his power has largely vanished, but his batting eye remains sharp, so he can still be a force for Texas — if he can stay healthy. Yu Darvish has had similar injury woes, though he’s been far more productive when healthy. One of the most widely anticipated NPB arrivals ever, Darvish joined the Rangers in 2012, continuing his stellar career with three straight all-star seasons, including 2013, when he led the majors with 277 strikeouts. Tommy John surgery knocked Darvish out for part of 2014 and all of 2015, and neck and back problems dogged him when he returned in 2016. If he’s healthy, Dar- vish and his unhittable pitching repertoire can lead Texas back to the playoffs. Also in the American League West, the Houston Astros have a rarity in Norichika Aoki, an Asian position player who has endured in MLB. Aoki has played for five teams in five seasons, bringing his speed, ability to get on base, and good outfield defense. He made it to the World Series with the Royals in 2014; Houston hopes he AP Photo/LM Otero Continued from page 7 more games than Darvish through 2016, thanks to good health and exceptional control. These important traits should ensure the 36-year-old remains a valuable player for several more seasons. The New York Yankees in the American League East have had some high-profile eastern busts, but the 2014 acquisition of Masahiro Tanaka has been successful through 2016. A top-notch NPB starting pitcher, Tanaka amassed a 39-16 record over three seasons in Yankee pinstripes, with an excellent 3.12 ERA and outstanding control. Tanaka has been the Yankees’ most dependable starting pitcher; they hope he’ll lead them back to their championship ways. Last season’s resilience award goes to KBO veteran Hyun-soo Kim of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. After a poor spring training in his first Orioles season, Kim refused a minor-league assignment, preferring instead to work out his problems on the major-league bench. His decision paid off, as he worked his way into the starting lineup with a patient, high-contact approach. His skill and determination have ensured him a spot in the 2017 starting lineup. Whether they’re playing for contenders or also-rans, Asian MLB players are making a difference across the league, lifting the hopes of Asian-American sports fans nationwide.