We are excited to share that 16 YES Prep seniors were selected as QuestBridge Scholars by some of the most competitive colleges and universities in the United States, through the QuestBridge’s National College Match Program.
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading colleges and opportunities. By working with these students — from high school through college to their first job —QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented students from under-resourced communities attending the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their careers and communities.
The National College Match is a college admission and scholarship process through which qualifying high school seniors can be admitted early with full four-year scholarships. Match scholarship recipients are granted early admission to one of the QuestBridge college partners, with a scholarship to meet the student’s full financial need.
Here is a list of our winners!
East End Secondary
Omar Trejo – Matched with Grinnell College
Omar Trejo, a YES Prep East End Secondary senior, is an exceptional student whose resume boasts involvement not only on campus, but also in his East End community. He is a member of the UT Health club, National Honor Society, and Coding Club. Outside of school, he is an active member at his church where he volunteers regularly and enjoys giving back to his community.
Omar will attend Grinnell College this fall as part of the QuestBridge National College Match, a direct result of his accomplishments and success. He plans to study Physics at Grinnell and partake in the 3-2 Engineering program where he will eventually transfer to graduate school to earn his master's in biomedical engineering. He wants to use his degrees to research and design medical devices or treatments that are affordable and accessible to all.
Omar credits his interest in Grinnell to East End’s Director of College Counseling and Grinnell alumna, Jessica Trejo. “She speaks very highly of the school and her experience there.” He said, also noting how the IMPACT program has shaped his decision to rank Grinnell. “I spoke to the admissions representative during a few IMPACT events, and she described Grinnell as a tight-knit community, which is something I am seeking in my college experience.” He is expectant of what his time at Grinnell will bring and looks forward to the academic opportunities he will have.
The teachers, administration, and students at YES Prep East End know Omar will accomplish amazing things during his time at Grinnell and beyond.
North Central Secondary
Jasury Mejia – Matched with Hamilton College
Jasury Mejia, a dedicated senior at YES Prep North Central Secondary, has achieved an incredible milestone by earning a full-ride scholarship to Hamilton College through the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship Program.
With a passion for science and helping others, Jasury plans to major in biology during her undergraduate studies, ultimately pursuing medical school to become a pediatrician.
Beyond her academic achievements, Jasury has been an active leader within the North Central community. She has played a key role in T-Camp, a program designed to help incoming sixth graders transition smoothly into the school’s culture by introducing them to expectations, norms, and engaging activities. Additionally, Jasury has been an integral part of her class council, where she assists with fundraising efforts, trip planning, and organizing family gatherings during Blazer Block.
As a North Central Ambassador, Jasury proudly represents her school by helping facilitate college visits, leading family tours, and showcasing the many opportunities available to students at North Central. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to her community truly make her a standout student.
Sahira Pano – Matched with Grinnell College
Sahira Pano, a senior at YES Prep North Central Secondary, has earned a full-ride scholarship to Grinnell College through the QuestBridge Scholarship Program. Her academic excellence and passion for science has led her to pursue a degree in biology, with aspirations of someday becoming a pharmacist.
Throughout her time at YES Prep North Central, Sahira has participated in Rice University’s STEM Academy, a prestigious program designed to immerse high school students in advanced scientific research and college-level concepts. When asked about the experience, she stated that she engaged in complex coursework and gained valuable exposure to cutting-edge research opportunities.
Beyond academics, Sahira also serves as a North Central Ambassador, playing a key role in guiding juniors and seniors toward summer programs, internships, and scholarships. She also assists with family tours and college visits, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to her school community.
When asked what excites her most about the future, she shared, “Being able to learn new things such as traditions of other cultures and even new languages.” Her curiosity, drive, and dedication make her a remarkable scholar and leader.
Northline Secondary
Anthony Maldonado – Matched with College of the Holy Cross
Anthony Maldonado, a dedicated and driven student from YES Prep Northline Secondary, has been selected as a QuestBridge Scholar and will be attending College of the Holy Cross.
Anthony embodies the true spirit of the Northline Revolutionaries. As a first-generation college student, Anthony has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his education and community, and his journey is a testament to his resilience and hard work.
During his time at YES Prep, he has consistently excelled, particularly in mathematics. His favorite subject, math, has always come naturally to him, yet he has never taken this talent for granted. His dedication to his studies is further highlighted by his proudest academic achievement: being ranked in the top 5% of his graduating class. He aspires to study mathematics and is interested in a career that merges his love for problem-solving with his desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Throughout high school, he has been an active leader, holding positions in various school organizations and sports teams. He is currently the Chair of the Blood Drive Committee for National Honor Society and the Technology Manager for Theatre Club. His ability to balance leadership roles with his academic pursuits speaks to his strong character and determination. Whether working with peers on group projects or volunteering for community service, his humility and work ethic shine through in every endeavor. He is well on his way to becoming a leader in both his college community and beyond.
Southeast Secondary
Cristian Diaz – Matched with Vanderbilt University
Cristian Diaz, senior at YES Prep Southeast Secondary, will be attending Vanderbilt University to study Mechanical Engineering this fall. Cristian also has the distinct honor of being the current Salutatorian for his class, has taken 12 Advanced Placement courses, and has also received the distinction of being an AP Scholar.
He is an active member of the Debate Team, STEM Club, Chess Club, Guitar Club, National Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society. Cristian also participated in multiple summer intensive programs such as the NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SESS) internship, the University of Texas Center for Space Research, and graduated from the prestigious Kinkaid's Engineering, Math, and Science Institute (EMSI), a rigorous 3-year annual program designed for high-achieving students in STEM fields. He has also dedicated himself to academics through the STEM Aspire Program, further solidifying his foundation in math, technology science, and engineering principles.
Hannah Truong – Matched with Vanderbilt University
Hannah Truong, senior at YES Prep Southeast Secondary, will be attending Vanderbilt University this fall and plans to double-major in Computer Science and Economics.
Hannah has taken 10 Advanced Placement courses and has also received the distinction of being an AP Scholar.
Hannah is an active member of the National Honor Society, Wizard Camp, Girl Scouts, Southeast Step Team, and holds positions as the Speech/Debate Team Captain, Majestic Lion Dance Team Media Manager/Performer, Student Council Officer, and the Asian Pacific Islander Club President.
Hannah also participated in various summer intensive programs such as Kode with Klossy, the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program, Engineering Math Science Institute (EMSI) and the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in London.
Angela Ramos Morales – Matched with University of Chicago
Angela Ramos Morales is the current Valedictorian of YES Prep Southeast Secondary. She was matched through QuestBridge with University of Chicago and will be pursuing degrees in political science and fine arts with the goal to become a diplomat.
Angela has completed programs with Dartmouth, Rice University, and the Art Institute of Chicago and is currently a finalist to attend the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) in Korea.
She has been awarded the Brown Foundation Scholarship, won Visual Arts Scholarstic Events (VASE) art competitions, and has an AP Scholar with Distinction Award.
As a leader, Angela serves on the Varsity Cheer Squad, has been on Student Council since freshman year, and uses her extra time to do volunteering to help kids in foster care and tutor her peers. Angela's impact will be internationally felt because her roots are deep, and she is determined to change the world.
Southside Secondary
Bre AuJene Vann – Matched with University of Virginia
Bre AuJene Vann is an extraordinary young woman that currently serves as the Valedictorian of her graduating class at YES Prep Southside Secondary. Her passion for reading and writing has not only made her an exceptional student but also fueled her desire to pursue a career in law.
Outside of the classroom, Bre exemplifies leadership and service. She has been a dedicated tutor to underclassmen, offering time and expertise to help others succeed. Her involvement in the National Honor’s Society and her commitment to volunteering at the Houston Food Bank throughout high school highlight her deep sense of social responsibility.
It is a combination of these talents that led Bre to be Southside’s first School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) scholar, which provided her the opportunity to spend the first semester of her senior year in London, studying abroad. As Southside’s second Questbridge scholar, her fellow Giants are eager to cheer Bre on as she matriculates to the University of Virginia.
Southwest Secondary
Giovanni Avila – Matched with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Giovanni Avila from YES Prep Southwest Secondary matched with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), his dream school, where he will be studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He will focus on the programming aspect, aspiring to create video games for all to enjoy.
Giovanni went to Stevens Institute of Technology over the summer, where his love for creating video games was cemented as he participated in the Introduction to Game Design pre-college program they host. There, he got to create his very own game, sparking his love for creating the things that have brought him closer to the people around him.
He hopes that his acceptance inspires his younger brothers to take similar steps towards a college education.
Cinthia Huerta – Matched with Columbia University
Cinthia Huerta is a proud senior at YES Prep Southwest Secondary. She will attend Columbia University in the fall of 2025 to study political science with aspirations of attending law school shortly after. Cinthia hopes to then become a policymaker and shape policies that create meaningful change.
Cinthia is extremely thankful for the YES Prep Junior Spring Trip to Washington, D.C., which was her first time traveling outside of Texas. Exploring historical landmarks and visiting prestigious universities opened her eyes to the opportunities beyond her home state. That experience solidified her decision to go out of state for college and inspired her passion for politics.
Beyond academics, Cinthia is a dedicated leader on campus. She serves as the President of the Student Council, Secretary of the National Honor Society, and is an active member of Student Ambassadors. Through these roles, she has worked to uplift her peers, foster school spirit, and create a positive impact on her community.
West Secondary
Emmanuel Rodriguez – Vanderbilt University
Emmanuel Rodriguez is a YES Prep West Secondary Marvel, and he is attending Vanderbilt University. He intends to study mechanical engineering with aspirations to become an aerospace engineer.
From a young age, Emmanuel has always been fascinated by astronauts and space. The wonders and mysteries of space intrigue him. Aerospace engineering is a way for him to contribute to space exploration and advancement in technology.
A highlight of Emmanuel’s time at YES Prep is the Junior Spring Trip he took to New York. He met amazing students from other YES Prep schools who had the same aspirations as him: acquiring a higher education. Emmanuel was able to see top colleges firsthand and experience a portion of college life.
At West, Emmanuel is the class president and in his role he has helped countless students and has motivated his classmates to finish their senior year strong.
Emmanuel is an empathetic, resilient, and adaptable individual. His personal qualities and fantastic work ethic will take him extremely far in life. It has been an honor and joy to see him grow into the fine young man he is now.
Melanie Rodriguez – Matched with Washington University
Melanie Rodriguez, a proud YES Prep West Secondary Marvel, has matched to Washington University in St. Louis through the prestigious QuestBridge program. With a passion for understanding society and human behavior, she plans to major in Sociology at WashU, using her education as a foundation for her ultimate goal—attending law school to become a criminal defense attorney.
Throughout her six years at YES Prep West, Melanie has embraced the full high school experience, forming friendships that have shaped her into the person she is today. She credits YES Prep not only for its rigorous academics but also for fostering lifelong connections and a supportive community that has taught her the value of trust and belonging.
A dedicated leader both in and out of the classroom, Melanie serves as the captain of the West volleyball team, where she leads with determination and heart. She inspires her teammates through challenging practices and intense games, emphasizing teamwork and resilience. She is deeply grateful for the camaraderie and growth that being part of a team has provided.
Melanie’s charisma, compassion, and drive make her an exceptional leader and scholar. As she takes the next step in her journey at WashU, there is no doubt she will continue to impress and inspire those around her. The future is bright for this remarkable young woman!
Daisy Romo – Matched with Scripps College
Daisy Romo, a dedicated YES Prep West Secondary Marvel, is headed to Scripps College, where she plans to major in Political Science. With a deep commitment to creating positive change, she envisions a future in government, where she can advocate for her community and make a lasting impact.
A defining moment of Daisy’s senior year was visiting Scripps College—an opportunity she embraced after learning about it from her college counselor. This experience not only introduced her to a new campus, people, and possibilities but also solidified her decision to attend Scripps, reinforcing her commitment to higher education and her future aspirations.
Daisy’s compassion, courage, and tenacity set her apart as a leader. With her unwavering dedication to making a difference, there is no doubt she will continue to leave a meaningful impact wherever she goes. An incredible journey awaits this outstanding young woman!
White Oak Secondary
Livan Canales Hernandez – Matched with Washington and Lee University
Livan Canales Hernandez is a future engineer with a passion for innovation, sparked by years of working alongside his father remodeling houses. Transforming empty spaces into something functional and meaningful inspired him to pursue a career where he can bring ideas to life through engineering.
His journey to higher education was further shaped by his experience on the Junior Spring Trip, where he caught a glimpse of college life and heard firsthand how students’ lives transformed after leaving home. This experience deepened his motivation to pursue his goals and solidified his commitment to higher education.
Beyond the classroom, Livan is a dedicated leader. As a member of the Senior Committee and a three-year soccer team player, he has honed his skills in teamwork, leadership, and perseverance—qualities he will carry with him as he embarks on his next chapter at Washington and Lee University.
With his drive and determination, there is no doubt he will make a lasting impact in the field of engineering and beyond.
Leslie Flores – Matched with University of Notre Dame
Leslie Flores has matched with the University of Notre Dame, where she plans to pursue a degree in Business Management with a potential double major in Economics and a minor in Italian. A dedicated and ambitious student, Leslie’s academic journey has been defined by her commitment to leadership, service, and global engagement.
During her time at YES Prep White Oak Secondary, Leslie took her education beyond the classroom, spending a semester abroad in London with the School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL). This experience broadened her perspective on global affairs and strengthened her passion for ethical leadership.
On campus, Leslie has made a lasting impact as the Secretary of the National Honor Society, where she helps lead initiatives that foster academic excellence and service. She is also a committed advocate for sustainability through her work with the Environmental Youth Council.
Beyond school, Leslie gives back to her community by volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, demonstrating her dedication to social responsibility.
Anthony Murillo – Matched with Rice University
Anthony Murillo, who matched with Rice University, is an aspiring engineer with a passion for hands-on problem-solving, from building with Legos as a child to working on cars with his dad. He dreams of applying his skills to high-performance automotive engineering, with the ultimate goal of working for Formula 1.
To take a step closer to this ambition, Anthony participated in the Junior Spring Trip, an affordable opportunity that allowed him to explore universities beyond Texas, broaden his horizons, and envision his future in engineering.
During his time at Northbrook, he served as Vice President of the Class of 2025, was a member of the National Honor Society, and competed on the Northbrook Powerlifting team—demonstrating leadership, dedication, and resilience.
The achievements of these outstanding YES Prep seniors reflect their dedication, resilience, and the limitless opportunities that come with hard work and perseverance. Through the QuestBridge National College Match, they have secured full scholarships to some of the nation’s top universities, paving the way for bright futures filled with impact and success. As they embark on this next chapter, we celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will make in their communities and beyond.
To learn more about YES Prep’s college initiatives and how we support students on their path to higher education, visit our website.
There are still spots available to join the YES Prep family—apply today and take the first step toward an exceptional educational journey!