Sequim Gazette staff

Enough with theory. Ian Houghton wants to put his passion for science into practice.

Houghton, a Sequim High School junior, is seeking some help — in the form of funds — to study theoretical physics at the Harvard Secondary School Program this summer.

“One of the ways to get into a prestigious college is to get into a prestigious summer program,” he says.

Houghton was admitted to the program but found out recently his family’s application for financial aid was turned down. The total cost of the program (two courses and housing) is about $10,800; Houghton says his parents can fund about a quarter of the bill and that he’s drafted 10 letters to local service/educational organizations, but he’ll need donations to fund the remainder.

The deadline is mid-May and Houghton says he hopes to have the funding issue solved by May 12.

“I’ve always been amazed at the enormity of space, how warm the sun is so far away from the earth, the galactic-sized numbers,” Houghton says. He says he plans to major in theoretical physics, then earn a PhD and work as a professor and test physics theories.

For more information, call Houghton at 582-6340 or e-mail beanie@niikola.com.