Five seniors from Irving ISD have been named QuestBridge National College Match Finalists, joining 7,288 students across the country in the competition for scholarships valued at over $325,000 each. If matched with one of QuestBridge’s 50 partner colleges, these students will receive full-ride scholarships covering tuition, housing, food, and travel expenses. Scholarship recipients will be announced on December 2.
Jada Arredondo – Irving High School
Irving High senior Jada Arredondo found out she was a QuestBridge Finalist during tennis practice. “I was fresh out of running a mile, and I checked my phone as we were walking back to the courts to get my mind off the pain in my legs, and there it was,” Arredondo shared. “As soon as I saw my update, I immediately started jumping up and down the courts, washing away my fatigue. I started yelling to my coach that I was a Finalist, and the entire team celebrated with me.” Arredondo, who aims to attend Vanderbilt University, credits her success to her faith, adding, “College isn’t made for everyone, but regardless, we were all made with a greater purpose. Be thankful that you’ve made it this far and know that life is full of wonders.”
Gabriel Esqueda – Singley Academy
Singley Academy senior Gabriel Esqueda, who dreams of working at NASA or SpaceX, hopes to match with MIT. “I am extremely excited to be named a QuestBridge Finalist,” he said. “I’ve been working hard since freshman year, and being involved in as many clubs as possible has been amazing.” Reflecting on his journey, he added, “I’ve had a tougher life than most, but I’ve always been a self-starter. Now, I stand here being considered for a full ride to colleges known for shaping some of the greatest minds in America. I thank everyone who helped me get this far, but I also want to thank myself for not giving into stereotypes of children of teen moms.”
Justin Herrera – Irving High School
Justin Herrera, an aspiring electrical engineer at Irving High, discovered he was a QuestBridge Finalist during his AP Physics 2 class. “The moment I saw the congratulatory message, I erupted in a loud scream and announced to the class that I was named a Finalist,” he recalled. “Dr. Allen, who was a huge support during my application process, gave me a big hug, and the whole class paused to celebrate with me. Soon after, the counseling team came in with cowbells and horns, cheering in the hallway and joining in the excitement.” Herrera hopes to attend Stanford, with plans to eventually launch a company dedicated to clean energy.
Hugo Lopez – Singley Academy
Hugo Lopez, a senior at Singley Academy, has his sights set on MIT, Columbia, or Cornell. Reflecting on being named a Finalist, Lopez shared, “Simply being named a Finalist lets me know that I have put enough determination into my education to be able to accomplish things I used to think were impossible.” He attributes his success to his mother, saying, “She has been the most prominent person in my life that has encouraged me to keep pushing forward and overcome any obstacles that may come my way. I would not be where I am today without the various sacrifices she’s made in her life to give me opportunities she wasn’t given back in El Salvador.”
Mahriz Zain – MacArthur High School
MacArthur High senior Mahriz Zain waited until the end of the school day to open his QuestBridge notification with his former English teacher, Ms. Phalon, by his side. “When we saw the congratulatory email, we both got teary-eyed. We were so ecstatic,” he recalled. Zain, who hopes to attend a top university and eventually pursue a career in venture capitalism and philanthropy, credits his family as inspiration, saying, “My brother was the poster child for success, and I always looked up to him… And my uncle is one of the most influential people in my life. He’s my only father figure here in America, and he’s helped me so much.”
These talented students now eagerly await the final match results, each with unique aspirations for their college and career paths.
