ISD Student Receives Gates Scholarship

Truman High School senior Leslye Quintanilla has received the prestigious Gates Scholarship. Funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship is only awarded to 300 high school seniors in the country, covering the full cost of college tuition of recipients pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic records, demonstrated leadership and exceptional personal success skills.

“I was surprised and extremely thankful because my parents have made sacrifices for me and for my education. Being able to pay them back in a way, and to not have to worry about the financial aspect of college is amazing,” said Quintanilla.

Quintanilla is heavily involved in academic and extracurricular opportunities at Truman High School, including speech and debate, National Honor Society, French Club, National French Honor Society and Civic and Social Engagement (CASE). Quintanilla plans to major in international relations at Washington University in St. Louis and hopes to pursue a career as an immigration lawyer.