Grace Sihn is one of four students from McAllen ISD to earn a prestigious QuestBridge scholarship.
Sihn, who attends McAllen High School, is one of nearly 21,000 applicants nationwide. Fewer than 7,000 (6,683) became National College Match Finalists. From there, only a portion of finalists are matched with a college partner and receive a “full ride” through the match scholarship which includes full tuition, housing, food, books, supplies and travel expenses.
The other three students from McAllen ISD are Eduardo Cavazos of Achieve Early College High, Gerardo Villarreal of McAllen High and Fernanda Guerrero of McAllen Memorial High who is in the McAllen ISD International Baccalaureate Programme based at Lamar Academy.
The QuestBridge scholarship is a non-profit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students with educational opportunities at partner colleges and universities.
Sihn plans to major in biology and attend Washington University in St. Louis.
“I’m still deciding on what I want to specifically specialize in, but during my undergraduate I plan to learn a lot with an open mind by studying biology and staying on the pre-med track, which will help me be open to a lot of opportunities and narrow down my interest in what I want to pursue,” Sihn said.
At McAllen High, she has been active in orchestra for four years. She earned the highest rating for UIL Solo-Small Ensemble and Recognition of McAllen High Symphony Full and String Orchestra UIL Concert and Sight Reading Sweepstakes.
She has also been involved in National Honor Society for two years.
“As a member of this organization, I helped my community by helping a Korean school for kids from ages 5-6 and established a culturally sensitive learning environment,” she said.
She also volunteered for her community through HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).
“Being a student from McAllen ISD all my life from, Rayburn Elementary, Morris Middle School, and, finally, McAllen High School, has curated my educational path with endless opportunities and support,” she said. “The people around me from my teachers, counselors, mentors, and friends, and even having the access to the educational opportunities to succeed, not only academically, but even experiencing with hands-on learning for a career path: the medical profession, by earning a CPR, first- aid, and an EKG certification has guided me with a chance to broaden and foster what I find enticing.”