By Annie Ngo Burroughs High School(BHS)– Burroughs senior Sarina Khara has received a big check — $50,000 — to help her achieve her big dreams, thanks to a prestigious scholarship from Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE).
Established in 2006, the Edison Scholars Program “recognizes students who want to be makers of tomorrow — the dreamers, inventors, guardians, and pioneers — those who dare to be great,” according to the program website. Only 30 students earn the scholarship each year. Candidates throughout SCE’s service area are eligible to apply.
“I am extremely thankful for this scholarship opportunity as it will allow me to go to a UC for free,” said Khara. “This also means I won’t have to worry about attending college in Florida [where her tuition would be free] and that I can visit my mom often.”
This is the first time a BHS student has won the Edison Award, which was presented on April 5 in the Burroughs Engineering building.BHS administrators, counselors, and Chamber of Commerce officials were on hand to watch as SCE representatives congratulated Khara and her mother on the honor.
“I’m so proud of Sarina for earning the scholarship,” said Principal Carrie Cope. “ What an incredible accomplishment.” Khara submitted many applications this year, including the Edison scholarship. Like most college-bound students, she has spent considerable time scouring the school’s scholarship bulletin, writing essays, and gathering letters of recommendation to market herself for potential awards. Many students ignore applications like Edison’s, but Khara was not deterred.
“When I first heard I won, I was in utter shock,” said Khara. “I remember the day my mom reminded me to fill out scholarships. I immediately went to the BHS Front Office the next day and found out the Edison scholarship was due in a day. I quickly got home from school and worked on the application all day, finally submitting it before the deadline. When I heard I won, I couldn’t believe my eyes and thanked my mom right away for reminding me to apply.”
According to Khara, the application process is quite intense but definitely doable. Applicants have to fill out short writing supplements and secure a letter of recommendation. If they make it to the semi-finalist section with the top 50, they submit a video detailing how they would make a positive impact in the STEM world. That video is now posted online at the Edison Scholars website.
In the video, she talks about growing up surrounded by China Lake’s engineers and scientists and being inspired by their efforts to pursue her own.
The goal-oriented senior is currently deciding between Cal Poly Pomona and UC San Diego.
