Matilda Torres student awarded Gates Scholarship

For The Madera Tribune

Matilda Torres’ Leonel Rodriguez-Vargas shows off his school of choice for this fall.

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Leonel Rodriguez-Vargas will graduate from Matilda Torres High School with multiple scholarships, leadership roles, and extracurricular accomplishments. 

One notable achievement Rodriguez-Vargas received was the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship, which will provide a full-ride scholarship to attend the University of California, Berkeley.

The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar award for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. It is granted to exceptional student leaders to help them realize their full potential. Scholars receive funding for the total cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid. Ideal recipients are in the top 10 percent of their class, have strong academic records, demonstrate leadership abilities, and show exceptional personal success skills.