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May 5, 2010

Falmouth student wins $100,000 college scholarship

By Kelley Bouchard kbouchard@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

FALMOUTH — Falmouth High School senior Ryan Gao has won a $100,000 college scholarship from Lumber Liquidators founder and hydrogen fuel technology entrepreneur Tom Sullivan.

click image to enlarge

Ryan Gao was one of five Falmouth High School seniors who traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Science Bowl last Sunday. On Tuesday he was one of 10 students to receive a $100,000 Proton Energy Scholarship.

Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

The announcement was made Tuesday at the National Hydrogen Conference and Expo in Long Beach, Calif.

Sullivan surprised many when he decided to give $100,000 to each of 10 finalists for the Proton Energy Scholarship.

Sullivan initially planned to award one four-year scholarship, but he decided that all were worthy of the full amount.

“All 10 finalists are truly exceptional individuals and it was impossible to only give away one $100,000 scholarship, so we awarded all the students the grand prize,” said Sullivan, who funds the scholarship.

“Each and every student shows tremendous promise in fields of science and technology, and we are excited to help support the bright futures ahead of these talented individuals.”

Gao is a member of Falmouth High's science team, which represented northern New England at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., last weekend. He plans to study science and math at Stanford University in California.

The scholarship is sponsored by Sullivan's company, Proton Energy Systems, which designs and manufactures proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrochemical systems that make hydrogen from water.

Sullivan also founded SunHydro, the world's first chain of privately funded hydrogen fueling stations for cars.

The scholarship recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in science or technology and plan to pursue higher education in these areas.

The finalists also were evaluated on financial need and demonstrated leadership, work ethic and community involvement.

The other scholarship recipients are: Sahil Khetpal, Plano, Texas; Matthew Lee, Pacolet, S.C.; Andres Parrado, Stamford, Conn.; Carolyn Bai, Old Saybrook, Conn.; Jesse Castaneda, Morro Bay, Calif.; William McNeary IV, Charleston, Mo.; Philip Lubik, Harwinton, Conn.; Alexandra Olivares, Dubuque, Iowa; Jenny Lu, Southbury, Conn.

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