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Arlington ISD recognizes three Gates Scholars, including first-ever Sam Houston recipient
Summary
Arlington ISD honored three recipients of the Bill & Melinda Gates Scholarship on May 15, including Abner Mejia Lopez, the district said, who the board and school introduced as Sam Houston High School's first Gates Scholar.
Arlington Independent School District recognized three students selected as Gates Scholars during the May 15 board meeting, district staff said. The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full‑cost scholarship funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and awards about 300 students nationally.
John Winn and Evelyn Rosales, both from Arlington Collegiate High School, were recognized in a recorded message because they were attending prom. Winn said he plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington and major in biology with the goal of becoming a doctor. "I would like to thank the board for recognizing me for winning the Gates scholarship," Winn said in the video.
Principal Juan Villarreal introduced Abner Mejia Lopez from Sam Houston High School, whom the district described as Sam Houston's first Gates Scholar. Villarreal said Mejia Lopez will attend Washington University in St. Louis on a QuestBridge scholarship as well and has participated in leadership roles at his school. Mejia Lopez told the board he plans to study biochemistry with the intention of applying to medical school and thanked his parents, teachers and the AVID program for support.
Superintendent Matt Smith and board members presented a commemorative pin and certificate to Mejia Lopez at the meeting. District leaders said they are proud of the students’ accomplishments and noted the Gates Scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and transportation for costs not covered by other aid.
