Tortoise-studying teen takes top Broadcom prize
River Grace (third from left) won the Broadcom MASTERS competition. With him were, from left: Henry Samueli of Broadcom Corp., Susan Samueli of the Samueli Foundation, Scott McGregor of Broadcom Corp., Paula Golden of Broadcom Foundation and Rick Bates of SSP.
Patrick Thornton/SSP
WASHINGTON — Even a tortoise enthusiast can speed through a three-day gauntlet of science, engineering and math challenges to claim victory. River Grace, 14, of West Melbourne, Fla., did just that. At an awards ceremony October 1, he picked up the top award of $25,000.
The teen was one of 30 finalists from 17 states who attended the third annual Broadcom Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars, or MASTERS, competition. “I had no idea I’d win this,” Grace said. “Any one of us could have won.”
Nine additional finalists took home cash awards or funding to attend a science camp. The Samueli Foundation, an organization created by Broadcom cofounder Henry Samueli, provided Grace’s funds. The Broadcom Foundation and Elmer’s Products together provided more than $500,000 in awards for finalists, semifinalists, their teachers and their schools.
