By 1808Delaware
Olentangy Orange High School senior Natalya Garza Morales was recently awarded the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer scholarship. Natalya is one of 400 nationwide recipients of this significant award in 2024, illustrating the competitive nature of this accolade. The scholarship, worth $40,000, also includes a guaranteed internship with the global tech giant, Amazon. This remarkable opportunity has set the stage for Natalya to embark on a promising future in engineering or computer science.
The Power of Community Support
Natalya’s journey to winning the scholarship began with a recommendation from a trusted teacher who nominated her for this competitive program. The announcement of her success was no ordinary affair—it was a meticulously planned surprise that unfolded in the presence of her classmates, family, and teachers. This heartwarming celebration included confetti poppers and cake, all orchestrated by her classmates to ensure the moment was as memorable as it was significant.
Classmates Rally to Celebrate Achievement
The close-knit class of six at Orange High School, who have been together for five years, played a crucial role in planning the event. Their collective effort not only highlighted their strong bond but also their deep respect and affection for Natalya. The involvement of Natalya’s family, who were invited to join the surprise, added a personal touch that underscored the community’s support for her achievements.
A Role Model of Kindness and Dedication
Natalya’s character and dedication have made her a beloved member of the school community. Known for her kindness, genuine nature, and passion for sharing her cultural heritage, she embodies the qualities that the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship aims to foster in future leaders. Her teachers and peers see her as a beacon of positive energy, whose impact is only expected to grow with the support of this scholarship.
Inspiration Leads to Action
The seed of inspiration was planted by a fellow member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, further nurtured by her father, an ex-Amazon employee who encouraged her to seize this golden opportunity. Natalya dedicated her winter break to preparing her application, a decision that has now opened numerous doors for her future endeavors. Overwhelmed with joy at the surprise, Natalya shared how transformative this scholarship is for her, calling it “life-changing money” and a testament to her hard work and aspirations.
Additional Information on the Scholarship Program
Launched in 2019, the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship program aims to bolster the future of engineering and computer science. The program awards college-bound seniors up to $10,000 per year toward an undergraduate degree in these fields. To date, Amazon has invested $54 million in scholarships, benefiting 1,350 students across the United States. Each recipient, including Natalya, is also invited to complete a paid summer internship at Amazon, providing them with real-world experience alongside their academic pursuits.
Source: Olentangy Local Schools; Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
