Seniors surprised with $40,000 Edison scholarship checks

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – For Diamond Bar High senior, Michelle Lyu, it was supposed to be just another day. She was about to begin computer-checking a layout in her second period Yearbook class, when a surprise announcement was made.

Lyu learned she was the recipient of a $40,000 Edison Scholars award!

The entire class cheered when Lyu accepted the oversized check from Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE) on Apr. 15.

“I couldn’t be more thankful,” the 18-year old exclaimed. Her parents and school officials were on hand for the special moment.

Earlier that day, Walnut High senior, Ted Zhu, 18, got the word that he was an Edison Scholars winner during second period Publications class.

“I was initially really confused when I saw so many people stream into the classroom. When they mentioned ‘Southern California Edison,’ I didn’t realize it had to do with the scholarship I applied to, since a friend of mine had told me a week earlier that she had won and I thought I had gotten rejected,” Zhu said.  “It was honestly very exciting, especially to share the moment with my parents who were there to see me receive the award.”

A total of 30 high school seniors have been named 2015 Edison Scholars.  The program is for graduating seniors who plan on pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) education.

Lyu plans to attend University of Pennsylvania in the fall. She is interested in majoring in Biological Basis of Behavior and dreams of conducting cutting-edge research.

“I can’t see myself doing anything else besides STEM. I can’t wait to use this money to help me reach this goal to do something fantastic in the field of science,” the Diamond Bar High scholar said.

Zhu has been accepted to Harvard University and is interested in becoming a health advocate/researcher.

“This will really help my family alleviate the cost of paying for college and I hope that I will meet the other Edison Scholars, who I can learn so much from,” he said.

Diamond Bar High senior Athena Chen is also a 2015 Edison Scholars recipient. She got the news when she opened the award letter after school on April 20.

“I never get mail and this was from Edison. It was nerve-wracking; I had to re-read it a couple time just to make sure!” said Chen. “I feel very lucky and very honored; It’s going to help me a lot!”

Chen will attend Northwestern University and major in Economics. She plans to focus on the mathematical model.

Students receive the $40,000 scholarship paid over four years. This year, 2,768 high school seniors applied for the award.

Lyu said she has been turned down for a number of scholarships.  “You should believe in your dreams. To win just one scholarship is a very gratifying feeling!”