Arreola is one of just 750 students selected from more than 48,000 applicants nationwide for the highly competitive Gates Scholarship, which honors outstanding student leaders. Leonardo Arreola said he was stunned when he received the news.
“I was touring Pomona College when I got the email,” Arreola said. “There was so much going on, and when I read it, I was honestly shocked. I called my parents right away, and they were so proud.”
Pomona College, one of the country’s top liberal arts schools, is Arreola’s first-choice university. He plans to explore studies in economics with a possible minor in music or pursue an engineering pathway through a 3-2 program. As he navigates these academic interests, Arreola is leaning on Baldwin Park High School alumni including former student board member and Gates Scholar Gustavo Trujillo for advice and mentorship.
Arreola credited his counselor for encouraging him to apply for Pomona College’s Academy for Youth Success program, which helped him gain insight and access to the college.
At BPHS, Arreola has made his mark through the arts. As a member of the school’s orchestra and music department, he was the first freshman to perform in the orchestra quintet, a five-member ensemble founded by earlier generations of Braves. He took on the role of orchestra secretary and helped organize performances for school events, such as National Honor Society ceremonies, and even helped fundraise and coordinate a memorable performance trip to Disneyland under the guidance of Mr. Wong, whom he praised for his mentorship.
“Seeing our performing arts improve and collaborate, like performing alongside the choir, has been such a great experience,” Arreola said.
As he prepares to graduate with a GPA of 4.5, Arreola is still processing what the scholarship and college acceptance mean to him. He reflected on how quickly time has passed since his freshman year and encourages underclassmen to take advantage of opportunities early.
“Stay informed,” he said. “Tune into workshops and information sessions, there are so many resources out there to help you succeed.”