Fernanda Guerrero is one of four students from McAllen ISD to earn a prestigious QuestBridge scholarship.
Guerrero, who is in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme housed at McAllen ISD’s Lamar Academy (her home school is McAllen Memorial High), 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.
She plans to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“McAllen ISD has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today, particularly through the International Baccalaureate Programme,” Guerrero said. “I specifically sought out the IB Programme for its reputation for rigor, but what I found went far beyond academics. The teachers here are truly the heart and soul of the school. Over the course of four years, I have not only learned from them but have also built meaningful relationships that have shaped me into the person I am. They are not just educators—they are mentors and guides, always offering the support I needed to push through challenges and achieve success. Their belief in me and their unwavering commitment to my growth helped me become a compassionate, focused individual, capable of facing the future with confidence.”
The other three students from McAllen ISD are Grace Sihn of McAllen High, Gerardo Villarreal, also of McAllen High and Eduardo Cavazos of Achieve Early College High.
The QuestBridge scholarship is a non-profit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income students with educational opportunities at partner colleges and universities.
After graduation, Guerrero plans to study Civil and Environmental Engineering.
“After college, I plan to combine my passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and business skills, aiming to make an impact in the fields of technology or sustainability,” she said.
This year, she is serving as President of the Senior Class and the IB Volunteer Organization. She is also member of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) and has competed on the IB Science Olympiad team. At Memorial High, she participates in volleyball, tennis and National Honor Society.
“In addition to the incredible teachers, the peers I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside have been highly inspiring,” she said. “The caliber of students in the IB Programme pushes you to raise your own expectations, creating an environment where growth and achievement are celebrated. The IB Programme has been more than just a curriculum—its been a life-shaping experience that has equipped me with the skills, discipline, and resilience to face whatever comes next. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it has given me and the person it has helped me become.”