01-05-2025
Generation ROC: Two local students selected for Amazon Future Engineers scholarship program
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As our local seniors prepare for graduation, two students demonstrate their passion and creativity that transform into the future of STEM. They are now among the select few chosen for the Amazon Future Engineers program.
At Webster Schroeder High School, Luka Paraskevov says he wants to study product design to combine engineering with another great love.
'I also kinda have a passion for art as well so I decided to combine those two. Since it's partially really technical and partially really creative, for me it was a no brainer,' Luka explains to News 8's Mikhaela Singleton.
Meanwhile over at The Aquinas Institute, Aidan Benoit says he designs video games and loves programming in his spare time. He wants to study ways to use coding for others.
'I like the problem solving. I think that's probably the biggest thing. I want to learn stuff that can help better the world—primarily with teaching others. That's kinda my main goal,' Aidan says.
Amazon certainly impressed by the boys and their ambitions when they applied for Amazon Future Engineers—a program that funds STEM resources and scholarships to underserved communities. Both Luka and Aidan will get a $40,000 scholarship each to start their studies, plus Amazon internships to get hands-on work experience.
Both boys say they're grateful for the opportunity to continue what they enjoy and make that same opportunity accessible to everyone.
'I would say one of the most important things is just finding the thing that you like doing and then you build your activities or what you do in life around that thing,' says Luka.
'I think that if you want to try something, you should be able to go for it and that there should be some avenue for that,' Aidan adds.
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