Brea Olinda High School (BOHS) Senior Roy Kim had no idea why he was suddenly being called to visit his high school’s Career Center on the morning of March 29 and that he was about to be surprised with some very exciting news. Roy is one of 30 students across Southern California to be named a 2024 Edison Scholar by Edison International. The prestigious recognition provides Edison Scholars each with a $50,000 scholarship to use toward a college degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields.
The Edison Scholars Program helps students follow their dreams in STEM and empowers them to change the world. The program has helped provide scholarships to 760 students since 2006.
With an astonished and excited look on his face and surrounded by his friends, family, and Brea Olinda teachers and administrators, Roy accepted a large check in the amount of $50,000 from Edison International representatives.
“I was stunned and felt accomplished knowing that my vision for STEM has been recognized by Edison,” said Roy.
Roy was chosen because of his plans to pursue a degree in applied mathematics and computer science. In a YouTube video submitted with his Edison Scholars application, Roy stated “During my education in computer science, I seek the knowledge to develop games using brain computer interface technology, a current experimental technology that uses the brain’s electrical activities to function computers and robots.”
He believes society prioritizes wealth over advancements, creating a monotonous cycle of school/work and sleep, which he hopes to break.
“Video games have always evolved throughout time and with my involvement in STEM, I plan to assist in creating a world where humanity can be entertained purely through their mind,” he said.
Roy will be graduating this May and plans to attend UC Irvine to major in Software Engineering. “This scholarship will definitely ease my life as a college student and cover tuition, allowing my hobby/part-time solo game developer to begin earlier than anticipated,” he said.
During his last four years at BOHS, Roy has filled his time as a member of the BOHS Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Winter Drumline as a snare drummer. He has also been a part of the Global IT Academy (GITA) all four years and has spent most of his time running a Coding Club at BOHS. He attended Country Hills Elementary and Brea Junior High.
“At Brea Olinda High School, we believe in providing students with valuable scholarship opportunities to support their educational journey. Our dedicated counseling department is committed to helping students find their best fit academically and personally, and we take great pride in seeing our students thrive and succeed,” said Brea Olinda High School Assistant Principal Cecilia Story. “Congratulations to Roy Kim on receiving this well deserved award.”