Eric Morales, a student at Hector J. Garcia Early College High School, was selected for the prestigious Gates Scholars Class of 2024. Morales was one among 750 outstanding students selected from a pool of over 53,000 applicants from across the nation for this nationally recognized scholarship that will support higher education for the recipients.
The Gates Scholarship is known to be a highly selective scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Gates scholarships are one of the fully-funded undergraduate scholarships which can be renewable for five years. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
After a rigorous application process that consisted of multiple essays that ranged from 400 to over 1,000 words and personal interviews, scholars were announced and amongst the list was the name “Eric Morales.” ”I showed my mom, and just like all Hispanic moms, she had to put her glasses on and look closer to read it. My sister, within a second of me showing my mom, was already screaming and hugging me. They all were,” he said.
The Gates Scholars are selected based on their academic record, demonstrated leadership and a variety of other criteria, which includes essays, recommendations, and interviews. The scholarship covers fees, housing, boarding, books and supplies, computer, transportation, personal expenses, loan fees, internship programs, study abroad, and health insurance.
With an impressive resume, Morales is an active member University Interscholastic League (UIL) Spelling, UIL Current Issues and Events, UIL Social Studies, UIL Science, E-Sports, Music Club, Art Club, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Senior Mentor Program.
An accomplished student within the top of his class and a dually enrolled student at TAMIU, he has earned a variety of academic recognition due to his determination. These include the Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, National Hispanic Scholar, Career and Technical Education, TAMIU Merit Scholarship (Presidential), U.S. Border Patrol Youth of the Month, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society Awards. Furthermore, Morales is certified in Google Analytics Individual Qualification, Google Analytics Advanced, Analytics Beginner, Microsoft Office Word Specialist, and Microsoft Office PowerPoint Specialist.
“The most rewarding part about it is the financial aid. Not having to worry about financial issues or a lack of support is very relieving. I am just so grateful to know my mom will not have to worry about my education,” he expressed.
Additionally, he volunteers his time within the community. This includes volunteering with Keep Laredo Beautiful, Bethany House, TAMIU MAYDAY Program/SCAN Program, Ruiz Elementary School, and with GECHS helping to raise over $10,000 for organizations.
As a member of The Gates Scholarship Inaugural Class of 2024, Morales will attend The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute (TGSSI). The mandatory four-day, overnight, conference is designed to welcome and empower the scholars, give them an opportunity to meet and connect with each other, and expand their professional networks by participating in workshops and social activities aimed at preparing and inspiring Scholars for their first year of college and beyond. The Gates Scholarship will cover all costs associated with the conference.
“Laredo ISD students are amazing. As high school seniors prepare to graduate and start their college journey, I know that they will face challenges. I am grateful to all those who provided scholarships to our students that will help continue their education,” GECHS Principal Margarita Taboada said. “As a recipient of the Gates Scholarship, Eric Morales will receive funding for the full cost of college attendance which includes tuition, fees, room, board, and books. At Garcia Early College, we are proud of him and his accomplishments.”
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.
Morales will be attending Texas A&M International University this fall to pursue a degree in Nursing, in hopes of becoming a physician. “As a scholar, I would advise future Gates Scholars to apply regardless of the application process. Many students who received this scholarship are the ideal students for prestigious schools, especially Ivy Leagues. Nonetheless, it’s important to know the scholarship values more who you are and where you will be than just your grades. They want your story, not only your academics. Apply, and one day, you too might become a future Gates Scholar,” Morales said.