Young scientists step closer to Intel Science Talent Search's top prize

The Beaverton Valley Times, Jan 27, 2010

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Two Catlin Gabel School seniors are breaking records.

Kevin Ellis and Yale Fan learned Wednesday that they are finalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, making them the first in Catlin Gabel’s history to earn the honor.

This also marks only the second time one Oregon school has had two Intel Science Talent Search finalists.

As finalists, the 18-year-old scientists were each awarded scholarship checks for $7,500 and are now in the running for larger scholarships. Earlier this month, they both received a check for $1,000 as semifinalists in the nation’s oldest, most highly regarded pre-college science competition.

“Kevin and Yale are both so talented and so humble, and we’re delighted by their success,” said Michael Heath, Catlin Gabel’s high school principal. “We are proud of them and of Catlin Gabel’s amazing science, computer science and math teachers, who encouraged these two students to excel.”

The Catlin Gabel students are two of 40 high school seniors from across the country who will gather in Washington, D.C., on March 11 to 16, to compete for $630,000 in awards. The top winner will receive $100,000 from the Intel Foundation.

Their weeklong stay will include an in-depth judging process, visits to historic sites and cultural institutions and meetings with leading scientists and engineers. Students will also have an opportunity to exchange ideas and insights with each other and prominent members of the scientific community.

“Intel is incredibly proud of these two highly accomplished students,” added Aubrey Clark, Intel’s education relations manager in Oregon. “Their achievement is likely a predictor that they will one day be among America’s great scientists.”