More than 400 MHS seniors earn nearly $2.6 million in scholarships

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Four hundred and twenty-six  Milpitas High School seniors have earned a combined total of nearly $2.6 million dollars in scholarships. Approximately 250 students from the graduating class of 2018 attended Senior Awards Night on May 23 to join in the celebration of these honors.

“This being my first year, I can’t believe the accomplishments that you have all accumulated over these last four years, and the accomplishments about your next steps in life,” Principal Francis Rojas said. “This year’s senior class is truly impressive.”

Approximately 345 students received the Gold Cord for earning a 3.25 unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) or 3.5 weighted GPA; 191 students received a Maroon Cord for completing 150 hours or more of Community Service; 158 students received a President’s Education Award for maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher from 10th grade to 12th grade, taking five AP/Honors classes with a B or better in each and scoring “Advanced” on four of four Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium exams; 175 students received a Golden State Seal for receiving a B+ or higher in an English, Math, and science course in ninth, 10th, or 11th grade and receiving a B or higher in U.S. History and a grade of B or higher in two other courses for ninth, 10th, or 11th grade; 33 students received the State Seal of Biliteracy award; and eight students are a National Merit Scholarship Finalist for placing in the top 1% nationally based on their performance on the PSAT taken in their junior year. Finalists are eligible for multiple scholarships.

This year’s Valedictorian, Ivan Chan, earned a 4.48 GPA. He will attend Yale University, and earned a Gold Cord, Maroon Cord, Golden State Seal, President’s Education Award, National Merit Finalist, Chi Am Circle Scholarship, $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, and $4,000 Elks National Semi-Finalist Most Valuable Student Scholarship.

This year’s Salutatorian, Kevin Quach,  earned a 4.47 GPA. He will attend Yale University, and earned a Gold Cord, Maroon Cord, Golden State Seal, President’s Education Award, 2017 QuestBridge National College Match Finalist, $500 PTSA Scholarship, and $500 Milpitas Management Association Scholarship.

“I want you to look around and see all the people in the room celebrating with you,” Rojas said. “From the people in our community that make Milpitas a safe and thriving city to live in to the school board and district office folks who ensure that you have the opportunity for quality education, your administration, your counselors, your school staff and teachers who give to you and encourage you each day.”

Rojas added: “Now look at the faces of the loved ones who are here with you to celebrate. Take a moment to acknowledge their support in helping you to be here tonight. This is a celebration for all of us.”

Rojas acknowledged where students will head to come fall. One hundred and eight students will attend a University of California UC while 148 are going to a California State University, 51 will be at private or out of state universities, 315 will go on to community college, 10 are planning to go to art or technical schools, 17 are moving to their military careers.

He added that many students have set their minds on specific universities while some are able to choose from several options. From those, two students will attend Yale, two are heading to Cornell, two to USC, two NYU, five to Morales’ alma mater UC Berkeley, seven to UCLA, 91 to San Jose State University, and others will attend college life in various locations throughout the nation and internationally.

“No matter where our students have chosen as their next step, we all know that you are well prepared and ready for the challenges of life ahead,” Rojas said.

Marissa Canez, Milpitas High School’s College and Career Technician and coordinator of Senior Awards Night, shared her pride in the ceremony.

“I had a lot of favorite moments from the planning and organizing to the event itself,” she said. “I would have to say my most favorite is the smile and excitement on the students’ faces when they hear what scholarship they were awarded.”