Firebaugh High School senior and avid engineering enthusiast Brigitte Lopez is among 30 Southern California students to be named a 2024 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 scholarship for her outstanding academic performance and dedication to shaping a clean energy future.
Lopez, who earned early admission to Stanford University for the upcoming fall semester, plans to major in aerospace engineering. She aspires to work at NASA or SpaceX and drive innovation with an environmentally conscious approach to technology while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the STEM field.
“I feel extremely grateful to receive such an award that aims to help students from underrepresented backgrounds. I am reminded of the quote ‘Si Se Puede’ (it is possible), motivating me to continue following my dreams as there are people who can support and guide me,” Lopez said. “This is not just an award to help fund my higher education, but also an award that can show my appreciation for those who have helped me get to this point.”
Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, annually awards $1.5 million in scholarships to 30 high school seniors pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering and math at four-year universities.
Lopez boasts a 4.64 GPA while balancing rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses and extracurricular activities, including cheer, dance and serving as a student director in the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation. With a distinct passion for innovative engineering, she is also an active participant in her school’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) club.
Her leadership skills helped develop and execute a computer program, earning her team first place in the humanoid category during the 2023 and 2024 SkillsUSA State Championships.
“I have seen Brigitte grow and evolve into a confident, skilled and collaborative student who is passionate about science and engineering,” PLTW engineering teacher John Ude said. “Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and mentorship. I am incredibly proud of her as her mentor and feel honored to have played a role in her journey.”
Lopez – who said she was encouraged from a young age to help others and contribute positively to the world – credits Firebaugh High School for empowering her to embrace challenges and evolve as a high-achieving student leader.
"We are immensely proud of Brigitte, a shining example of the forward thinkers, dreamers and inventors that we cultivate within our school community with the support of our dedicated educators," Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. said. "We congratulate Brigitte on this well-deserved recognition and eagerly anticipate her continued success in the years ahead."