Three members of the Los Fresnos High School Class of 2026 have been awarded the prestigious Gates Scholarship, one of the nation’s most competitive and highly selective scholarship programs for outstanding student leaders.
Graduates Antonio Bazaldua, ranked third in the graduating class, and twins Patricio Alvarado and Joaquin Alvarado, ranked sixth and eighth respectively, were selected as Gates Scholars for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities. The students graduated during Los Fresnos High School Commencement on Monday, May 25.
Bazaldua will attend Rice University this fall with a total scholarship of $395,756. Patricio and Joaquin Alvarado will continue their academic journeys at Cornell University with a scholarship of $403,160.
The graduates were three of forty-five students from Los Fresnos High School, and thousands nationally, that applied for the scholarship which is awarded to around three-hundred scholars.
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship awarded to exceptional high school seniors from low-income households across the United States. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other educational expenses, allowing recipients to pursue their degrees with significantly reduced financial barriers.
Together, their accomplishments contribute to the more than $26 million in scholarships earned by the Los Fresnos High School Class of 2026, underscoring the exceptional opportunities available to Falcon students as they pursue higher education.
“Being named Gates Scholars places them Antonio, Patricio, and Joaquin among an elite group of students nationwide,” said Laura Gomez-Trevino, Higher Education Coordinator for Los Fresnos CISD. “This accomplishment speaks to the strength of their character, academic achievement, and commitment to their future goals.”
The students received guidance from the Los Fresnos High School College Center, which helps students navigate the college admissions and scholarship process. Through individualized support, scholarship guidance, application assistance, and college readiness programming, the College Center plays a vital role in helping students access opportunities that make higher education more attainable.
The Gates Scholarship not only provides financial support through college graduation but also offers scholars access to mentoring, leadership development opportunities, academic support resources, and a nationwide network of fellow Gates Scholars.