The ability to pay for college right out the Gates is within grasp for a trio of Canutillo Independent School District seniors.
Angel Rodriguez and Evelyn Gesualdo-Lopez from Canutillo High School and Mykohl Arellano from Northwest Early College High School have been named finalists for the prestigious Gates Scholarship.
The Gates Scholarship Program launched in 2017 as a long-standing commitment by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help outstanding minority students who come from low-income backgrounds realize their maximum potential.
“This highly competitive scholarship recognizes Angel, Evelyn and Mykohl have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies and extracurricular activities, setting them apart as leaders among their peers,” said Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz. “Their selection as finalists is not only a testament to their individual talents and hard work but also highlights the academic excellence fostered by their respective schools.
This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, a last-dollar scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their course work, graduate college and continue to be leaders throughout their lives.
Such is the case for Gesualdo-Lopez. The aspiring engineer said there is a lot riding on receiving financial assistance such as the Gates scholarship.
“I feel very nervous because my whole education and getting to go to my dream college lies on whether I receive scholarships or not,” Gesualdo-Lopez said. “I have been admitted to UT Austin and I’m just waiting on the outcome of these scholarships to determine how to move forward.”
Although her nerves have her on edge, Gesualdo-Lopez, who was also a finalist of the prestigious Questbridge National College Match scholarship, is grateful for how far she has come in competing for some of the most sought after scholarships in the nation.
“All the good things and bad things that have happened throughout high school have made me who I am and applying for these scholarships have allowed me to share my story and they saw potential in me,” Gesualdo-Lopez said. “This process has allowed me to believe in myself and
prove that I am capable.”
Like the entire 2024 class, Rodriguez had a rough start to high school, having to experience his freshman year remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The extended time in isolation motivated him to get social and involved in as many student organizations as possible when he returned to campus his sophomore year.
“The pandemic and remote learning helped push me to do more to make up for that lost year,” Rodriguez said. “Getting involved in school helped open many doors for me to get active in the community and help build a resume to grow academically and professionally.”
Rodriguez has already earned a spot at Boston University with a full support scholarship towards a biochemistry degree through the Questbridge National Match program. When he learned he was also a finalist for the Gates Scholarship he was thrilled knowing the Gates opportunity could fill in the gaps and cover the development aspect to building his future career as an anesthesiologist.
In addition to funding, The Gates Scholarship will provide further support to scholars, by engaging with them and their institutions in a variety of ways, to ensure they have access to the resources and services they need, from their first to last day of classes, through graduation and the transition to their chosen careers.
“The Gates Foundation encouraged me to continue pursuing the Gates Scholarship because it would award me additional benefits not covered by Questbridge,” Rodriguez said. “Gates will provide me with networking opportunities with professionals through their community of alumni from all over the world. I feel really grateful. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will not only help me but will allow me to help those around me and my community in the future.”
Rodriguez’s advice to incoming freshmen is to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone.
“Be open to try something new and take advantage of all the opportunities your campus has to offer,” Rodriguez said. “Most scholarships don’t just look at your grades but who you are as an individual and how you impact the community around you.”
Arellano attributes the high academic rigor he received at Northwest Early College High School in preparing him for the next level of college and in affording him the position as a Gates Scholarship finalist.
“Being dual credit, we are already taking college level courses and our teachers really push us to do our best, be responsible and think as college students do.” Arellano said.
Currently, Arellano is looking to finish the second half of his college career at either UT Austin or Texas Tech University. He aims to earn his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and work towards a career with NASA to advance human space exploration. Being a Gates Scholarship finalist brings him one giant leap closer to his goal.
“Receiving this scholarship will really take a lot of stress off of me as far as how am I going to pay for college,” Arellano said. “I am excited to be in this position and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
As the trio advance in the final stages of the selection process, their campuses and Canutillo ISD family eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and support them in their future endeavors.
Good luck!