Culver City Observer -

Mariko Rooks of Culver City High is one of 13 students from LA-area schools selected to receive a $10,000 college scholarship as a 2017 Milken Scholars program recipient. The Milken Scholars program provides the scholarship but more importantly, they receive a lifelong mentor/support system that includes ongoing career-related counseling, assistance in securing internships, opportunities for community service and a fund to assist their pursuit of post-undergraduate career goals.. Mariko Rooks Yale Rooks has found multiple opportunities to fuel her interest in health care and public health policy. She was a medical scholar at the Osborne Head & Neck Institute (OHNI) in Los Angeles, observing surgeries, helping with labs and patient exams, and compiling case studies. Working with an OHNI physician, Mariko published "Surgery and Your Voice," an article for OHNI's medical journal about how medical procedures and conditions affect the vocal cords. She also worked as a dental assistant, supervising x-rays, scheduling procedures, and providing chairside assistance for dental exams and minor oral surgeries. Mariko, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the California Scholarship Federation, earned a National Merit Scholarship Commendation and ACT Perfect Score Recognition. She was nominated for the California Interscholastic Federation's Student-Athlete of the Year Scholarship, captained her school's varsity water polo team, played varsity softball, and successfully convinced the administration to build a new softball field and swimming pool.