MHS’ Ngirbabul named Gates Millennium Scholar

 An 18-year-old Marianas High School senior is among two recipients from the Commonwealth of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship.

is now entitled to attend any U.S. located, accredited college or university of her choice.

This is a renewable scholarship based on the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program guidelines. In addition, if she pursues graduate studies in the fields of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science, she may also be eligible for GMS fellowship funding for her education through the master’s and doctoral levels.

According to Joo Young Lee, director of GMS Program in Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, Ngirbabul’s accomplishments were notable and which were used in determining her selection to the program.

“We are very pleased to inform you of your selection as one of the 1,000 Gates Millennium Scholars for the GMS Class of 2012. We commend you on your strong leadership, community service and academic achievements that contributed to your selection as a Gates Millennium Scholar. Your accomplishment is especially notable in context of the more than 24,000 students who applied, making this year’s the largest and most competitive group of candidates in the program’s history. We are very excited for you to join the community of Gates Scholars and we are very pleased to confer this distinct honor that distinguishes you as a Leader for America’s Future,” said Lee in her letter to the scholar.

Ngirbabul told Saipan Tribune yesterday that her selection came as a big surprise and was overwhelmed by the good news. The student will pursue college at Mount Vernon Iowa Cornell College and will major in international relations with minor in French and ethnic studies.

She extended her appreciation to her grandmother Rosario Elameto, and uncles Gordon and Michael Ngirbabul. The scholar also thanked her teachers and fellow students at MHS for all their support and guidance.

Ngirbabul told Saipan Tribune that she hopes that she will serve as an inspiration to her peers and pointed out that with firm determination to succeed, hardship will never be a hindrance to those who strive for the best in their education and future.