"It's not so much the financial part of it," Diem says. "Winning this scholarship gives me confidence in what I am doing, that as an individual I can help other people."

Diem immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when she was 7.

"I learned about the country I had left here in my classrooms," she says. "I feel fortunate for living in this country and hope to help other people when I'm older."

Diem started helping others her freshman year by volunteering at San Jose Medical Center and Regional Medical Center.

"I run errands, translate and take patients to lunch," she says. " I also have volunteered for three years at the March of Dimes as part of the South Bay youth council."

Along with her philanthropy, Diem works on the school newspaper as the co-editor-in-chief.

Diem, who wants to carry on in King's footsteps by promoting change through nonviolence, views journalism as the perfect vehicle.

"I hope that through journalism, I can initiate and create change," she says. "By informing people in a positive way, people will be informed and can then make changes."

The association presented Diem with a $1,500 check at the "Movers of Mountains" breakfast in honor of King on Jan. 16.

Diem was one of four high school scholarship winners at the breakfast. She was also invited to ride the freedom train to San Francisco.

Receiving the scholarship says quite a bit about her, Willow Glen High AP biology instructor Savitha Sastry says.

"She has a very high standard of achievement and makes sure her work meets her own expectations," Sastry says. "She always tries to do her best."

The future is bright for Diem, Sastry says, and she is excited for what that might hold.

"I know she's looking at some pretty prestigious universities, and this scholarship will help her get her foot in the door," Sastry says.

Diem has applied for other scholarships, but she submitted her application for this particular one just under the wire.

"It was pretty late by the time my counselor found out about it, and I filled out the application that same day," Diem says.

The scholarship required Diem to write an autobiographical essay explaining how she embodies King's vision.

"I'm not sure what I want to major in but I'm considering business and journalism," Diem says. "If I go into business, I want to start my own nonprofit and orient it toward Vietnamese-Americans and maybe even extend it to Vietnam."