March 29, 2018

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources

DIAMOND BAR, CA—For Diamond Bar High senior Tanya Yang, it was supposed to be just a regular day.

She had opened a book to study during fourth period Symphony Orchestra class last Wednesday when a surprise announcement was made.

Yang learned she was the recipient of a $40,000 Edison Scholars award.

The entire class applauded as she accepted the oversized check from Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE) on March 21.

There had just been chamber ensemble performance when director Steve Acciani told the class about a “great presentation” from SCE, Yang shared.

“I immediately wondered if anyone else in class had applied and I wanted to be happy for them,” said the humble student who submitted the application last fall and learned in December she was among the top 100 finalists.

When the representative began describing Yang’s school activities, dreams, and career aspirations, she realized that she had been selected as a winner.

“It was really a cherished moment!” the 17-year-old exclaimed.

Her parents and school officials joined the special presentation.

And, yes, there were lots of happy tears.

“My entire life I’ve been blessed to have parents that support me in all my endeavors, especially as a female going into STEM,” she said.

She is also involved in the Robotics and Science Olympiad teams on campus.

A total of 30 high school seniors across SCE have been named 2018 Edison Scholars.

The program is for graduating seniors who plan on pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) education.

Yang will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall and pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.

“My biggest dream is to become a professor so that I can not only pursue my own research interests, but also have a direct line into impacting young undergraduates as they go through their college journey,” Yang said.

“And whatever university I end up working at, I really want to be involved in high school outreach.”

As a freshman, Yang heard that two Diamond Bar High students won the impressive Edison Scholarship.

“So, I decided to apply for it during my senior year thinking if they did it, and maybe if I try, I can too!”

Yang hopes a lot of girls will be moved by her story.

“I want to go into the STEM field that not a lot of girls go into and hopefully they’ll feel inspired by it.”

Shown:

Diamond Bar High senior Tanya Yang is the recipient of the prestigious 2018 Edison Scholarship. Shown with Principal Reuben Jones, SCE Representative Chanel Parson, Parents, and Grade Level Counselor Jenna Brummett. 

Diamond Bar High senior Tanya Yang has been named a 2018 Edison Scholar. Shown with Principal Reuben Jones and Grade Level Counselor Jenna Brummett.