Angela Liu ‘26 recently received a $50,000 scholarship from the Southern California Edison Scholars program, being one of only 30 students in California to receive this award.
SoCal Edison recognizes 30 students statewide each year who wish to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or math and awards them with a scholarship in order to pursue higher education and make a real difference in their communities through their work, according to edison.com.
“I’m passionate about advancing renewable energy technology to create solutions that are sustainable and accessible,” said Liu. “I care deeply about utilizing technologies to serve humanity, not just for profit.”
Liu received her scholarship on March 23 during her fourth period AP Chemistry class, and she had no idea she was getting it beforehand. She was incredibly surprised and emotional when she heard she had accomplished this and would see the rewards of her hard work. Principal Jason Branham, counselor Emily Nelson and Christy Fanous, a representative from SoCal Edison, all gave speeches congratulating and supporting Liu, and her mom was there to share in her excitement.
“I was so shocked and overjoyed,” said Liu. “It was a huge surprise. Even now, it feels like a dream to be selected as one of 30 high school seniors to receive this scholarship.”
Scholarships can be a crucial milestone in the college admissions process for many seniors. College is very expensive, often setting families back more than $50,000 per year, and most people need some form of financial assistance to attend a college for four years, especially on the west coast. Out of all first time college students, 87.3% benefitted from some kind of financial aid, according to educationdata.org.
“College is a huge financial commitment for many, and the cost needs to be reasonable before an admissions offer can truly be considered,” said Nelson. “Scholarships can help reduce the financial pressures associated with attendance and are just as, if not more, exciting to earn than an admissions offer.”
Liu will attend Stanford University in the fall and major in physics and engineering. She plans to serve her community by creating renewable energy technologies to make clean energy accessible for all people.
“In college and beyond, I hope to make a difference in our environment and community with STEM,” said Liu. “I hope that going to Stanford and being in the Silicon Valley culture will help me both become well–versed in these powerful technologies as well as understand the greatest need for it in our communities.”
Liu has taken on an impressive academic workload throughout her time at WHS, competing in science competitions and taking multiple AP classes, and her determination in her work as well as her passion and talent for STEM has allowed her to pursue work that will make a difference in the world.
“Angela is a perfect fit for being one of the 30 recipients of the prestigious SoCal Edison award because she is highly motivated, full of integrity and thrives academically, especially in STEM,” said English teacher Nicole Weinberg. “I am incredibly proud of Angela and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her as a student and person this year.”
Liu has been praised not only for her exceptional academic talent and motivation but for her personality and ambition, which was a part of what contributed to her success.
“Angela is of course an exceptional student who has done superbly in challenging classes,” said Nelson. “But what really sets Angela apart is her character. You can see her genuine concern for others through her volunteer work and her intrinsic [motivation] and drive through her accomplishments. How she has achieved is more important than the achievements alone.”
Liu leaves WHS with some advice for students wishing to find the same success and make a difference in the lives of others.
“Think of each day as an opportunity to work towards your future,” said Liu. “Figure out your passions and what you truly love to do. It’s also important to build a strong community around you that will support you throughout your journey.”
