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The City of Gainesville is growing more and more diverse; so also is our student body. With 8,000 students across our district we have 3% Asian, 18% Black, 62% Hispanic, 14% White and 4% Multi-Race

Our vision is that every student will graduate with skills and experiences necessary to compete globally, think critically, and communicate effectively The students walking our halls every day are the future of our community, and many are changing the trajectory of their family for generations to come This year we have 149 students attending college as the first in their family to do so

Carlos Rivas is one of those very students and he will be doing so when he attends Boston University this fall with over half a million dollars in scholarship funds. Carlos has been awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship for $308,000, QuestBridge Match Scholarship for $308,000, Horatio Alger Scholarship for $10,000 plus FAFSA for $6,400. He plans to major in computer engineering and will be able to use these scholarship funds towards graduate school as well. Rivas is the first Gainesville High graduate to receive all three of these highly-competitive scholarships. The Gates scholarship was awarded to only 750 students out of 51,000 applicants nationwide.

Rivas says, "I could not implore this enough: Please advocate for yourself and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Whether the scholarship amount is large or small, try to start and finish the application Being able to self-advocate and know what you bring to the table is a life-changer. These great scholarships not only help guide you through the financial aspect, but they provide you with numerous networking opportunities There are individuals who care and want to help you grow; please make an effort to connect and build your network "

While Rivas is clearly a self-motivated and bright student, he says, "Gainesville provides you with such an amazing and supportive staff that is willing to do whatever is in their power to see you soar Whether that is through great teachers like Dr Karnati (who wrote my recommendations) or great counselors like Ms. Escamilia who always received me with a warm welcome, and their amazing words of encouragement "

He says his parents are his pillars encouraging him to be whoever he wants to be. "My parents always filled our home with love and fun and amazing role models I want to be like them when I grow up caring, courageous, strong and great souls. "

We congratulate all of our first generation college bound seniors as they impact future generations