Two DCPS' Students Receive Gates Millennium Scholarships
- Only 1,000 students nationwide receive this honor -
Jacksonville, FL - Two Duval County Public Schools' students have been selected as Gates Millennium Scholars. Saudia Bardge, student at Robert E. Lee High, and Rachel Rogers, student at Terry Parker High, received their notification letters announcing this achievement.
"I would like to congratulate these two students for being selected from among thousands to receive such an outstanding award that will help them continue their education at the postsecondary level," said Duval County Public Schools' Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals. "We have such talented and intelligent students in Duval County, and I am happy to know their excellence is being recognized."
Gates Millennium Scholarships are awarded to a select 1,000 students from around the country. Saudia and Rachel were selected from among 30,000 applicants to receive this prestigious award. These students will receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. Gates Millennium Scholars will be provided with personal and professional development through the leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career.
The awards will be based on the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year, as well as the availability of grants and other scholarships reported on the financial aid award letter.
Saudia Bardge is a graduating junior at Robert E. Lee High. She maintains a 3.5 unweighted GPA and excels in honors and advanced placement classes. Saudia is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in several extracurricular after-school activities including soccer, tennis and ping pong. She volunteers at Pinedale Elementary, Young Ladies with Destiny, Heartland Rehabilitation Center and the Clara White Mission. Saudia's ultimate goal is to major in bio-chemistry and become a neurosurgeon. She plans to enroll at the University of North Florida this summer.
"It's a privilege to be named a Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient," said Saudia Bardge. "Out of the nearly 30,000 applicants, being named a scholarship recipient will open many doors, provide me with outstanding leadership opportunities, and help me with my quest to become a top neurosurgeon. Thanks to the Gates Millennium Scholars program, the faculty and staff at Robert E. Lee High School, my family, and friends for helping me to prepare for greatness."
Rachel Rogers is a senior at Terry Parker High School. She is currently ranked second in the class with an unweighted GPA of 3.98. Rachel's school activities include president of the science club, historian of the Thunderbird Chapter of National Honor Society, and a member of both Interact and Senior Women.
Rachel will be pursuing a degree in Animal Science from Berry College located in Rome, Georgia. She then plans on attending the University of Georgia to obtain her DVM-PhD through the Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program.
"This scholarship means that I can fulfill my lifelong dreams without worrying that financial obstacles may present themselves," said Rachel Rogers.
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, established in 1999, was initially funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential.
Duval County Public Schools operates 177 schools and serves approximately 125,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy and culturally diverse world.
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