Middletown Public Schools and Middletown High School are proud to announce that two of their seniors have been named Gates Scholarship recipients. According to their website, the Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to 300 exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
The recipients of this year's TGS from Middletown High School are Mr. Brian Barrios and Ms. Gianna Thomas. Both of these outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement throughout their high school careers.
Mr. Brian Barrios will attend Cornell University in the fall, where he plans to study Veterinary Medicine. Barrios is graduating from the MPS’ award-winning Middletown Regional Agriculture Science & Technology Program. Mr. Barrios has been recognized for his outstanding academic performance, has received numerous awards, and has participated in nationally recognized leadership programs including Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) at Princeton University. In addition to his academic achievements, Mr. Barrios has been an active member of several student organizations, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Organization and the Wesleyan Upward Bound Math and Science Program.
Ms. Gianna Thomas will attend Yale University in the fall, where she plans to bioengineering and public health. She is a National Honor Society Scholarship winner, who has also been recognized for her outstanding performance in the Middletown Aerospace program. In addition to her academic achievements, Ms. Thomas is the President of Middletown HOSA (Future Health Professionals) & Pre Med Club, President of the Public Health Subcommittee of the Mayoral Youth Cabinet, Panelist Speaker for Yale University Public Health, and Director of a Community Tutoring Organization.
"We are incredibly proud of Mr. Brian Barrios and Ms. Gianna Thomas for their outstanding achievements and for being named Gates Scholarship recipients," said Superintendent Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos. "Their hard work, dedication, and leadership have been an inspiration to us all. We know that they will continue to achieve great things in college and beyond, and we wish them the very best in their future endeavors."