Locally offered scholarships brighten graduates’ futures
Over 450 scholarships totaling varying amounts were awarded to Hollister High School graduates by 140 local donors and organizations, including a $30,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship for Alexandra Gallo. Recipients like Gallo and Kaden Rodriguez, who secured 21 scholarships, were recognized for well-rounded achievements beyond academics, such as community service and leadership.
More than 450 scholarships, ranging from $250 to $30,000, were awarded to Hollister High School graduates this year by 140 local donors and organizations. The largest award, a $30,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship, went to Alexandra Gallo, who will use the funding for graduate-level coursework in public policy at Oxford University. Gallo previously earned two Rotary Club scholarships and served on the California Strategic Growth Council, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The scholarships reflect a focus on well-rounded students rather than just academic excellence, according to Mary Andrade, Hollister High School’s College and Career Center Specialist. Gallo, who was average in high school but thrived at Fresno State University, earned the university’s Presidential Medal of Honor and led a $2 billion initiative for marginalized communities. Kaden Rodriguez, another graduate, received 21 scholarships out of 50 applications, a record in Andrade’s eight years at the school. His applications highlighted extensive extracurriculars, including FFA, wrestling, baseball, volunteering in Costa Rica, and involvement with local organizations like the Downtown Association and FoodBank. Rodriguez prioritized scholarships aligned with his interests, securing awards from groups like the San Benito County Realtors Association and the Hollister Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242. The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,500, will support Rodriguez’s studies at California State University, Chico, where he plans to pursue agricultural business. Andrade noted that committees often seek students who demonstrate commitment beyond grades, emphasizing time management and community contributions. Local donors and organizations emphasized supporting students like Gallo and Rodriguez, who combine academic achievement with leadership and service. The awards aim to ease financial barriers for graduates pursuing higher education, particularly in fields driving sustainable change.
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