The DeSoto
Independent School District is proud to announce that several members of the DeSoto
High School Class of 2025 have achieved significant milestones by being
selected as semi-finalists and finalists for some of the most competitive
scholarships in the nation, including The Gates Scholarship, QuestBridge
Scholarship, and the Dell Scholars Program.
One standout is
Daniel Elguea, a senior at DeSoto High School, who has been named a
semi-finalist for the prestigious Dell Scholars Program. Elguea, notified of
his selection in December, is among an elite group of students nationwide
chosen for this honor. The Dell Scholars Program offers comprehensive support,
including personalized academic, financial, and emotional guidance to help
students succeed in college and beyond. The final decision on Elguea’s
application will be made in March 2025.
This year marks
the second time in DeSoto ISD’s history that students have been selected for
these highly competitive programs, underscoring the district's growing
reputation for producing high-achieving scholars. As Shanta Duren, Director of
Next Generation GEAR UP shared at a recent meeting:
"This
group of high school seniors have worked tirelessly to excel academically, and
their dedication has earned them recognition as semi-finalists and/or finalists
for The Gates Scholarship, QuestBridge Scholarship, and Dell Scholars program.
This is the second time in DeSoto ISD's history that students have been invited
to apply for these competitive scholarships in particular! I’m certain that our
scholars will notify us when they receive the final word from either The Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation, QuestBridge, or Bill & Susan Dell
Foundation. Let’s wish them well!!!
These
prestigious scholarships and programs are a testament to our students'
perseverance, resilience, and commitment to their education. The Gates
Scholarship and Dell Scholars Program are highly competitive, and to be
selected is a noteworthy accomplishment.
These
scholarships, when awarded, help to open doors to new experiences, knowledge,
and networks that will shape the futures of our DeSoto ISD scholars.
Finally, to our
scholars, we offer our sincerest congratulations and continued support on
making it this far in the application process. YOUR hard work, YOUR
determination, and YOUR passion for learning have earned you this recognition.
We celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing the incredible impact
you will make in the world.”
As these
scholars await further updates, district officials are confident they will
continue to represent DeSoto ISD with excellence.
Dell Scholars
Program Eligibility
To be eligible
for the Dell Scholars Program, students must meet rigorous criteria, including:
- Participation in a college readiness program such
as Next Generation GEAR UP
- On-track to graduate from an accredited high
school
- Demonstrated financial need
- Eligibility for a federal Pell Grant
- Plans to enroll full-time at an accredited higher
education institution
- A minimum 2.4 GPA
Elguea is among
the promising scholars who have earned this recognition, and the district is
proud to support him as he prepares for the next phase of his educational
journey.
Gates
Scholarship Semi-Finalists
In addition to
Elguea’s achievement, eight DeSoto High School students have been named
semi-finalists for The Gates Scholarship (TGS). The Gates Scholarship is a
highly selective, last-dollar scholarship awarded to exceptional minority
students from low-income households. It covers the full cost of attendance not
already covered by other financial aid.
The
semi-finalists from DeSoto High School are:
- Tymere Singleton (In-District since 9th grade)
- Ricardo Botello (In-District since Kindergarten)
- DeNia Todd (In-District since 6th grade)
- Steven Clerkley (In-District since 9th grade)
- Jashaun Ward, Jr. (In-District since 4th grade)
- Sydney Robinson (In-District since 9th grade)
- Evonne Foo (In-District since Pre-K)
- Demi-Cache' Nicholas (In-District since 1st
grade)
These students
will receive further notifications from The Gates Foundation between December
and January. DeSoto ISD’s Next Generation GEAR UP and Advise Texas staff will
continue to support the semi-finalists as they progress through the application
process.
QuestBridge
Scholarship
In addition to
the Gates and Dell scholarships, several DeSoto High School students are also
pursuing the QuestBridge Scholarship, which connects high-achieving, low-income
students with top colleges and universities across the nation. This scholarship
provides students with a unique opportunity to gain access to higher education
and unlock new pathways for success.
For more
information about DeSoto ISD’s academic programs and resources, visit DeSotoISD.org.
