Lee also volunteers his time to teach computer programming classes for the Chinese School of San Marino. He also has volunteered more than 100 hours at the Huntington Library, where he created a video guide about the Grand Manner portraiture collection.
“I appreciate the opportunity to work with an institution of such immense cultural wealth,” Lee said.
Last summer, he completed a research project with graduate students at the University of California, Santa Barbara and though greatly immersed in the computer sciences, he took philosophy courses at Pasadena City College to examine his own core values and beliefs during the recent spate of social and political upheaval.
Lee also volunteers with STEAM:Coders, a Pasadena-based organization which helps underrepresented groups with science, technology, engineering, art and math.
“Matthew helps make computer science fun and cool,” said San Marino High School Principal Jason Kurtenbach.
“I really appreciate this award,” said Lee, upon receiving the honor at a virtual meeting of the Rotary Club of San Marino. “After four years of extremely hard work, it’s great to have that recognized.”
Lee could win another award for his humility.
“I think credit is most due to my supportive parents and family and the amazing teachers at San Marino High School,” Lee said when acknowledged by the National Merit Scholarship program.
Lee was recently accepted to the University of California, Berkeley, where he hopes to study computer science with a minor in business or entrepreneurship beginning in the fall.
Renaissance Man Lee Is Rotary’s Student of the Month
