Eagle Pass Proud: Edwin A. Pua, Jr. Graduates from Stanford University, Sets Sights on AI Research
Palo Alto, California—Eagle Pass High School Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Edwin A. Pua, Jr., graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the 133rd Commencement Ceremony held at Stanford Stadium, featuring philanthropist Melinda French Gates as the keynote commencement speaker.
Pua, who is an extremely intelligent and bright young man, was born and raised in Eagle Pass, Texas in the heart of the United States-Mexico border. His journey from the U.S.-Mexico border to the pinnacle of Stanford University is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of education, particularly significant as he is the child of two proud immigrant parents from the Philippines.
Edwin’s parents, Edwin and Haydeelyn Pua, immigrated to the United States from the Philippines seeking better opportunities for their family. They are both outstanding nurses in the community. Edwin’s grandparents are Engineer Juan Pua and Celestina Pua and Dr. Pelagio Antonio and Dr. Adelaida De La Paz Antonio of the Philippines. Edwin’s parents settled in Eagle Pass, a predominantly Hispanic border community, where Edwin, Jr. was born and raised together with his brother, Kevin Pua.
Despite the challenges of growing up in a small U.S.-Mexico border town, Edwin excelled academically and athletically as an elite junior tennis player, leaving a proud legacy at his alma mater, Eagle Pass High School.
While at Eagle Pass High School, Edwin blazed a trail within the University Interscholastic League’s Academic Meets, garnering District Championships and Regional Championships in General Mathematics and Calculator Applications as well as placing second in Calculator Applications and fourth in General Mathematics at the State U. I. L. Championship in one year. Edwin qualified for the State U. I. L. Meet on three of his four years of high school, winning each year a top 10 finish in Calculator Applications and General Mathematics.
Coming out of Eagle Pass High School, Edwin was accepted to multiple prestigious universities including Harvard and Yale, but he ultimately chose Stanford University due to its renowned computer science program and vibrant campus life,
During his studies at Eagle Pass High School, Edwin shared his intellectual prowess with his fellow classmates, establishing his own SAT Prep Test Program called E=MC2 (Edwin’s Math Camp 2 Crush the SAT) and contributing significantly to the school and classmates. His dedication to helping fellow students in standardized tests earned him the designation of the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Award, scoring perfect scores across the board on his first ACT test, making him a source of pride for Eagle Pass, Texas.
At Stanford, Edwin’s academic growth continued to flourish and shine. His passion for computer science led him to specialize in artificial intelligence, an area in which he plans to further his expertise. Edwin has been accepted into Stanford’s Co-Terminal (Co-Term) Program, which allows him to pursue a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence while completing his undergraduate studies. This summer, Edwin will be participating in the BRITE Program working on cutting-edge AI research with Dr. Kennedy at the Stanford University Department of Medicine.
Edwin’s achievements are not just personal milestones but a source of inspiration for the entire Eagle Pass community and his family and friends in the Philippines. His parents, Edwin and Haydeelyn Pua, could not be prouder of their son’s accomplishments. They have watched Edwin grow from being a young determined boy into a brilliant scholar poised to make significant contributions in the field of artificial intelligence.
The Pua family’s story underscores the importance of hard work, discipline, dedication, and community support, and the opportunities available through education. Edwin’s journey from a small border town to one of the world’s leading universities is a powerful reminder that dreams can be achieved regardless of one’s background or circumstances through education.
As Edwin prepares to continue his studies and embark on new research endeavors, the Eagle Pass community and his extended family in the Philippines are rooting for him to succeed. His story is a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a celebration of what can be achieved through determination and support.
The Eagle Pass Business Journal wishes Edwin, Jr. the best of luck in all of his future endeavors. Your hometown of Eagle Pass is incredibly proud of you and eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking contributions you will undoubtedly make in the world of artificial intelligence.
Edwin A. Pua, Jr. with his proud parents, Edwin A. Pua and Haydeelyn Pua at a graduation reception at Stanford University
