It’s not everyday that you hear of a student getting a full ride scholarship to their dream college.
But in the case of Senior Luis Salas Juardo, it’s a different story.
Juardo is in French club and used to tutor at the viking center.
He is in Varsity soccer and spends a lot of his free time at practices or games.
Juardo says that he has “a great relationship with my family and friends” and that he enjoys doing stuff that he has never done before, such as rock climbing.
He has a large family of 5 and they “go to church every sunday and our table is always vibrant”.
Juardo states that his family is very “understanding and open minded to trust me in important decisions”.
He is described by friends and family as well as teachers as a great, determined, and well rounded person.
Thanks to the Questbridge Scholarship, Juardo was able to get a full ride to Notre Dame University.
The process of applying for scholarships can be a very lengthy and stressful process.
“[The process was] very long, but looking back at it right now, I can say it was definitely worth it,” Juardo said.
This scholarship in particular is also a very difficult one to qualify for.
Counselor Christine Pixler said only about “2,700 students” receive a Questbridge scholarship for a full ride to a prestigious university like Notre Dame to put it in perspective.
It also takes a very determined and persevering type of person to get this scholarship.
Pixler said that Juardo is a “top of the class student” and that he as a person is “fantastic.”
He has taken many Honors and AP courses during his time here at Sunnyslope in addition to being involved in French Club.
Juardo needed “two letters of recommendation, and there was a big, long checklist that guidance counselors have to go through” to make sure that the application was ready to be sent off and considered.
When Juardo was accepted for this scholarship, he was overjoyed.
When he gets to Notre Dame he’s “planning on majoring in chemical engineering.”
Once Juardo graduates from college, he hopes to “join an engineering firm,” and he dreams of owning his own engineering firm.
He says that he wants to own an engineering firm because he’s “always wanted a group of people who are amazing at what they do and to work together. I would have just that at my firm.”
Juardo has big plans for college and was able to make all of this happen because of his amazing skills inside and out of the classroom.
“Mrs. Pixler was the one who pushed me so hard,” said Juardo.
Juardo has a great future ahead of him because of his persistence and hard work and this scholarship has opened so many doors and opportunities for him.