In memory of their son, Dex Gannon, Cyn Hannah and Steve Gannon have established a scholarship fund to provide financial assistance for a promising mathematics student in the Wood River Valley.
"This will be for good students who need a break," said Cyn Hannah. "I want people to be inspired to help someone."
Hannah said Dex "had a gift" for mathematics, taking calculus in seventh grade and fulfilling online course work at Stanford University in eighth grade. While attending Wood River Middle School, he also hacked into the school computer system.
"He didn't do anything with the system," Hannah said. "He just hacked into it because he could. It caused them to reconsider their security system."
Dex was a 21-year-old student on a full scholarship at Rice University, majoring in mathematical economic analysis. He died by suicide in late December after struggling with psychological and emotional problems.
The Dex Gannon Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance to students showing promise in mathematics.
Donations can be mailed to The Dex Gannon Scholarship Fund/Hailey Rotary Club, Box 2190, Hailey, ID 83333.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com