6 Ayuyus gain entry to Gates scholarship

Six Kagman High School students have earned entry to the Gates Millenium Scholars program, moving one step closer of earning a college education in the mainland. This was according to KHS principal Leila Staffler, adding that two more are finalists and they are waiting for more information about it.

Staffler said the KHS student body, teachers, and staff are proud of the achievement by the six. The names of the six students were not yet available at press time.

“There are 1,000 Gates scholarships awarded every year. This is the last year they will award the scholarship. I heard there are 11 on Saipan total so far. So, that means we definitely scored big this year,” Staffler added.

She said the teacher advisers of KHS’ Million Dollar Scholar, led by mentor Gerald van Gils, were instrumental in making the program happen.

“We want to thank the community for all of their support and most especially for the parents who have entrusted us in preparing their children for the next biggest step that will change their entire families life trajectory,” added Staffler.

KHS took the top 21 of their students as part of the MDS program, a college preparatory class that would prepare the seniors of earning higher education. KHS, with the MDS, became the first CNMI high school that offered a college preparatory class.

Each of the 21 students applied to at least two major U.S. universities with 20 submitting an application to the Gates scholarship program, another 20 to the Asian/Pacific Islander Scholarship, and 16 at the QuestBridge Match Scholarship.

Several businesses and non-profit organizations have supported the fundraising efforts of KHS for its MDS program. They also have a GoFundMe account aside from donating directly to KHS. Airline miles or plane tickets are also accepted.

They will also publish a book containing the written essays of the 21 students that were submitted as part of their college application. Proceeds of the book would also go to the MDS fund that aims to help achieve their goal of going to college.

The book, Reflections of Scholarship and Survival, is a collection of the students’ college essays where they wrote about the everyday challenges they faced and the stories of survival during Typhoon Soudelor’s onslaught on Saipan.

Corporate sponsors can help either by helping them publish the book or by donating directly to their program. Funds raised will be used for the initial expenses that a student needs when accepted to college like plane tickets, application fees, climate-appropriate clothes, suitcases, books, and room and board.

Peter Santos, Ana Lieto, Rayannna Aldan, Viron Tenorio, Elizabeth Basa, Nimei George, Sara Kapileo, Fatimah Blake, Cassey Babauta, Jesus Pua, Coreen Ramon, Mikeala San Nicolas, Karen Laoyan, Jessa Camacho, Foysal Sojib, Asako Camacho, Lilly Jean Bautista, Jerry Borja, Josepha Cabrera, and Allison Arellano are the members of KHS’ Million Dollar Scholars program.