Sosa-Ramirez Named as Elite Gates Millennium Scholar

Los Fresnos High School senior Jocelyn Sosa-Ramirez has been selected from a pool of 52,000 candidates as a 2016 Gates Millennium Scholar.

The GMS is considered one of the most prestigious and lucrative scholarships in the nation. With the GMS, all of Sosa-Ramirez’ college expenses are covered for her undergraduate education. The scholarship, which is renewable each year with adequate academy progress, also covers graduate studies in the fields of mathematics, sciences and public health.

Sosa-Ramirez, ranked among the Top 10 students in the Class of 2016, has been added to the list of 1,000 recipients for her academic achievement, leadership skills, and commitment to community service.

Each year, the GMS selects top minority students in the U.S. to receive good-through-graduation scholarships. The GMS supports of the cost of education by covering unmet financial need and providing self-help aid.

“The happiness and gratitude I feel is more than anything I’ve felt before,” Sosa-Ramirez said. “I no longer have to worry about putting stress on my parents to help pay for my college education.”

Applicants had to write eight essays to apply for the scholarship.

She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin.

Sosa-Ramirez is the fourth LFHS student in five years to be awarded the scholarship. Previous recipients were:

Deborah Sandoval, a 2012 graduate, who attends Princeton University (N.J.).

Diana Cabrera, a 2013 graduate, who attends Seattle Pacific University (Wash.)

Clarissa Camarillo, a 2015 graduate, who attends The University of Texas at Austin.