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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Edwin Hernandez, a Pelham High School senior, has received a prestigious scholarship after his academic success.

Hernandez was named a recipient of the QuestBridge Match Scholarship. The scholarship matches students from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to colleges across the country.

Hernandez was selected from more than 25,500 applications nationwide, and was matched with Stanford University. Hernandez gave his thoughts on the application process and what was going through his mind.

“After becoming a QB finalist and finishing up the applications to qualify for the college match, I was incredibly anxious about what the future would hold for me,” Hernandez said. “Would I get matched? How far would I be from home? What will my path for the next four years be? So when I finally saw that I matched with Stanford, I was relieved to have an answer, but more so, I was ecstatic to know that I had matched with a school that’s the perfect fit.”

Hernandez then gave more details on his career aspirations and what he wants to pursue while at Stanford.

“Personally, I’m incredibly grateful for this scholarship, and it means the world to be able to have the opportunity to attend the school that is perfect for my needs,” Hernandez said. “The quality programs at Stanford, especially the top business and engineering programs, are perfect to help me prepare for entrepreneurship in renewable energies. This career would not only provide enough to ensure my family can live comfortably, but it gives me an opportunity to grow to become something bigger than myself, and hopefully contribute to changes to improve the lives of many.”

While Hernandez is thankful for the result, he recognizes the application process wasn’t easy due to a variety of factors.

“There were lots of challenges to get myself to become a competitive applicant and match,” Hernandez said. “Housing was an issue at time, and my family was often moving from place to place trying to make it work. We’ve been displaced twice and had to stay in hotels. Family is complicated, life is complicated, yet love is so simple and that’s how I managed to pull through. I owe my family and friends everything, because without them I’d have no reason to make it this far.”

Hernandez further delved into why Stanford was his top choice, adding its location is a big part of its appeal.

“Stanford was my top choice because it excels in both business and engineering,” Hernandez said. “Also, Stanford is located in Silicon Valley, so I’ll have no shortage of availability to connections and resources as I begin my career.”

Hernandez is aspiring to double major in chemical engineering and business at Sanford. He hopes to focus on the research, development and implementation of renewable energies via entrepreneurship in his post-graduate career.

Michelle LeSueur is the college and career counselor for Pelham City Schools. She discussed what sets Hernandez apart from students at Pelham.

“Edwin stands apart from other students and specifically AP students because of his diligence,” LeSueur said. “He consistently demonstrates a hunger to learn and improve his skills—whether it be writing, reading or critical thinking. Edwin seems to have a tireless dedication toward academic growth, and he sets very high expectations for himself, working diligently to do his very best on each and every assignment rather than doing ‘just enough’ to get a good grade. Edwin embodies academic excellence.”

LeSueur then spoke on Pelham High School as a whole and how it equips students for their next steps.

“Students and teachers at Pelham High School are encouraged to exhibit collaboration, leadership and personal responsibility,” LeSueur said. “College preparation occurs through rigorous and relevant academic initiatives through which students experience innovative and engaging learning experiences. We also encourage participation in extracurricular activities to foster leadership, personal growth and maturity. We support students in discovering activities that align with their interests, promote development and inspire service to others, all of which contribute to future success.”

For more information on Pelham City Schools, visit Pelhamcityschools.org.