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Gates Scholar
Lopera, who graduated this month from the O'Bryant, learned of the Gates Millennium scholarship during his sophomore year when a friend received the same award. "Why not me?" thought Lopera, who became determined to apply for the scholarship in his senior year.
The Gates Millennium Scholarship is very competitive, requiring applicants to write eight essays, each on a different topic. David's essays focused on his Columbian upbringing and his parents, who were the driving force behind his success. "My parents always stressed the importance of education," David said. He also acknowledged his guidance counselor, Dr. Maria Irizarry, "She was a friend who believed in me. She worked closely with me during the application process and made sure I was on top of everything," he added.
David is thankful for all the resources offered to him while attending Boston Public Schools. While at John D. O'Bryant, he was afforded the opportunity to serve as an intern at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. That experience influenced his decision to become a physician and, with the assistance of the Gates Scholarship, he hopes to get closer to that goal.
In the fall, David plans to "enjoy the ride while making sure to keep up," when he attends Princeton University. He will major in molecular biology.
This year 13 students from Massachusetts were awarded the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship, and six of them attended Boston Public Schools.
BPS is proud to congratulate our six winners: Fatah Adan and Eddie Da Graca, both of New Mission High School; Ayub Sharif of Boston Latin Academy; and Jarlin Perez, Fax Victor and David Lopera, all of John D. O'Bryant School of Math & Science. To learn more about the Gate Millennium Scholarship, please go here.