Mika was selected as the winner of the contest from amongst hundreds of entrants from across the country for her photo captioned “My Sport is Sailing” and her finalist video.
Mika, an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA, was flown to the Facebook headquarters during the ConnectSafely’s Safer Internet Day celebration. She was honored with a $2,500 scholarship and a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. “It was really exciting to see executives from the leading tech companies including Google, Twitter, and Instagram, at the event. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg spoke to us about using technology to effect social change. The California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris gave a presentation, too. I’m more inspired than ever to attend my dream school, Harvard,” Mika explained.
Following her trip to Facebook, Mika received a surprise visit on the POLAHS campus from National PTA President, Otha Thorton, and his colleagues, who had traveled from Virginia. Mika entered the POLAHS Multipurpose Room to find her entire 11th grade class waiting for her. President Thorton awarded her with another gift. A complete cart of 30 Google Chromebooks, was donated to POLAHS and wheeled out with balloons – a nearly $15,000 technology gift to the school!
“We applaud all of the students who participated in the #ShareAwesome contest, and we are pleased to recognize Mika and the finalists for promoting positive habits online. Their efforts are truly making a difference and helping their peers to make smart, safe, and positive decisions when using the Internet and mobile devices,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA.