GCM student earns prestigious Gates scholarship

A Goose Creek Memorial High senior will receive full tuition to the college of her choice, extending to graduate and doctoral work, through a scholarship program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Sunayana Yadav, a senior at Goose Creek Memorial High School, was announced recently as a 2010 Gates Millennium Scholar.

Sunayana’s college costs will be covered for up to 10 years by the minority scholarship program. She was one of 1,000 students chosen for the prestigious scholarship from more than 20,500 applicants. In addition to financial assistance, Gates Millennium Scholars receive academic support, mentoring and leadership training.

Nominees are evaluated on academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.

Sunayana was nominated for the award by one of her teachers, Sue Cannariato.

“Sunayana must be every teacher’s favorite student,” said Cannariato. “Involved in school and community activities and enjoying challenging academics, Sunayana is the epitome of a strong student who will succeed at any university she chooses to attend.”

The daughter of Rajinder and Sheela Yadav, Sunayana’s well-roundedness is evidenced by her participation in multiple endeavors: a member of Key Club and Interact Club for four years, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.

She has been a member of the tennis team for four years, two years on varsity, where she was recognized as a Scholar Athlete of the Year.

On the charitable front, Sunayana’s efforts have been legion. From collecting blankets for Ben Taub hospital, canned goods for many food drives, and Christmas toy-drive contributions, she has learned the importance of helping those less fortunate than herself. Sunayana’s sensitivity is clearly illustrated by her volunteer efforts at Faith Community Hospice.

“Certainly her rank of number one in her class underscores her work ethic, her joy in learning, and her ability to submerge herself in challenging activities,” said Cannariato. Sunayana, 18, plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin next year, majoring in business administration and pre-law. She plans on attending law school to ultimately become a corporate attorney.

Earning Gates Scholar honors is a tremendous accomplishment, said Goose Creek Memorial High School Principal Al Richard.

“The hard work and determination of Sunayana, combined with the support and encouragement of her family, shows that nothing is impossible and the future is limitless,” he said.

The Class of 2010 Gates Millennium Scholars represents 45 states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories: American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The scholarship is considered a “good through graduation” scholarship and can be used to pursue degrees in any undergraduate major at the college or university of the recipients’ choice.

Established in 1999 with the goal of developing the next generation of America’s leaders, UNCF’s Gates Millennium Scholars Program is funded by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.