Dallas, TX: 2014 McDonald's Educational Seminar hosted by Southern News Group at John Paul II High School, Plano was huge success. This workshop was supported by the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC), Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, US-China Chamber of Commerce of Dallas. 

Dr. Prasad Thotakura – TX State Coordinator, Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC), Kamal Kaushal – Board Member, GDAACC, Dr. Yu Meng – Chairman, Board of Chinese Institute of Engineers, David Ku – Chairman, US-China Chamber of Commerce, Wea H. Lee - Chairman & CEO of Southern News Group, Mayor Laura Maczka - City of Richardson, Jessica Yang - Vice President of APCA, Roger Hung - Founder and Counselor of My College TRAK, Angie Chen Button, TX State House of Representatives participated as Special Guests. More than 300 students and parents attended the educational seminar with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to know more about the college admission process and the available scholarship opportunities.


Wea Lea in his welcome address thanked McDonald for their community involvement and support, students and parents for attending in large numbers and special guests for taking time to attend this important seminar.


Dr. Prasad Thotakura stated that just perfect SAT Scores, 4.0 GPA are not enough to get into good schools. Students must identify themselves as they are very innovative, motivated with a lot of enthusiasm to progress and prove they not only excel in studies but also in extra circular activities like community service, leadership roles and should exhibit their unique talents, hobbies, special skills etc., Education became very expensive and highly competitive. Students must be ready today to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Dr. David Kusin, Alumnus of Harvard University in his keynote address mentioned that Harvard University gets more than 36,000 applications every year but only 2,000 students will get in. Students must be honest, prove themselves that they are something else beyond studies, unique in nature and they will add a lot of value to the educational institution that they want to get in and the society that they are in with their knowledge, thought process and behavior. 

Angela Chen of Southern Group thanked John Paul Scholl management for providing their excellent facility, all students, parents, volunteers and special guests for participating, several community organizations for their support and McDonald Company for their support in making the event successful.