NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
April 21, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley seniors surprised with $40,000 Edison Scholars checks
DIAMOND BAR, CA--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 she accepted the oversized check from Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE) on April 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 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,” the 18-year-old said.
“It was honestly very exciting, especially to share the moment with my parents who were there to see me receive the award,” Zhu added.
A total of 30 high school seniors across SCE have been named 2015 Edison Scholars.
The scholarship 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!”
Chen’s parents videotaped her reaction.
“I looked up and saw my dad recording and said ‘You knew!’”
“I feel very lucky and very honored!” the 18-year-old said. “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.
“I’ve always loved math and numbers,” she added.
Students receive $40,000 scholarships 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!”
Shown:
Diamond Bar High senior Michelle Lyu was surprised during Yearbook class on April 15 with a $40,000 Edison Scholars award. Shown with SCE representatives Ben Wong and Flor Tolley.
Diamond Bar High senior Michelle Lyu has been named a 2015 Edison Scholar. Shown with parents David and Sophia Lyu, LPA Region Manager Ben Wong, DBHS Principal Catherine Real, and Grade Level Coordinator Sonja Burns.
Walnut High School senior Ted Zhu is one of 30 recipients of the 2015 Edison Scholars $40,000 award.
Walnut High School senior Ted Zhu was surprised during class with the 2015 Edison Scholars award. Shown: Parents Zonghui Li and Jingpei Zhu, LPA Region Manager Ben Wong, Edison Scholar Ted Zhu, Walnut Councilwoman Mary Su, Walnut Councilman Tony Cartagena, Walnut Councilman Bob Pacheco, and Walnut High School Principal Jeff Jordon.
Diamond Bar High senior Athena Chen won the $40,000 2015 Edison Scholar award.