Whiz Kids: A Gates Millennium Scholarship Winner from John Muir High School

Last month, we announced that two John Muir High School students were finalists for the prestigious Gates Millennium scholarships from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

The selective and prestigious scholarship pays for both college and graduate school, leaving a student with an open ability to pursue whatever occupation she pleases.

One of the John Muir students, Valeria Sosa has now been selected as a winner, according to Hilda Ramirez of the Pasadena Unified School District, and we believe that merits a second Whiz Kids column mention.

Whiz Kid's Name (or Group name)

Valeria Sosa

●      Whiz Kid's Age

Senior

●      Whiz Kid's School

John Muir High School

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

The Gates Millennium scholarship is awarded to outstanding minority students with financial needs to reach their highest potential.  Candidates are selected based on grades, leadership ability, and participation in community or extracurricular activities

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness

Muir School counselor Nancy Gonzalez described Sosa in a recommendation letter as an extremely gifted student with a deep interest and talent in engineering.

According to Gonzalez, Sosa "aids Caltech grad students in their research for a mixed oxide to split water, using sunlight. She is even involved in the designing of the schools solar boat, which competes every year in the Solar Cup Competition."

She also describes her as a willing volunteer and very active in the community:

"She has a strong spirit and willingness to help others.  She is often called upon by the school or community to represent the school at different functions. She has also helped with the school's Red Cross Blood drives. She is an asset to both the school and the community."