Jazmin Zamudio, a Detroit Cristo Rey High School senior, has been awarded the highly selective Gates Foundation Scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame starting in fall 2023.
Each year, The Gates Foundation Scholarship receives more than 51,000 applicants. Zamudio is one of only 750 students nationwide to receive this award, presented to outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households. Zamudio joins a prestigious group of scholars from across the country who have demonstrated excellence in academics and extracurricular activities in order to meet The Gates Foundation Scholarship criteria of ‘an outstanding academicrecord in high school–the top 10% of their graduating class, demonstrated leadership ability and exceptional personal success skills.’
Zamudio’s scholarship will cover the total cost of her college education, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and other personal expenses throughout her tenure at the University. Zamudio plans to major in biology at the University of Notre Dame. Her professional goal is to become a physician’s assistant.
“I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of The Gates Scholarship. This scholarship will allow me, a first-generation college student, to attend the University of Notre Dame,” said Zamudio.
“I want to give credit to Detroit Cristo Rey High School. They have prepared me for my post-secondary transition with programs like College Readiness classes and Corporate Work Study. While DCR has provided me with many resources, The Gates Scholarship will allow me to pursue limitless opportunities and follow my dreams debt-free.”
“Jazmin is a shining star in our community and has a deep passion for healthcare for all, which she eloquently conveyed in her essays while applying for The Gates Scholarship,” said Detroit Cristo Rey College Counselor Pauline Anderson. “Her tireless dedication to her studies and selflessness in helping others has been an inspiration to all of us.” “A hallmark of Cristo Rey Network schools is how college counselors work hand-in-hand with students throughout their college preparatory journey,” Anderson shared. “This kind of mentoring is a rarity in Detroit-area high schools. It is one of the unique qualities that distinguishes a Detroit Cristo Rey High School education.”
Zamudio’s Gates Scholarship essays reflected her transformative journey during the pandemic, emphasizing her personal growth and determination to make a difference in the lives of others. Despite taking all her classes online and alone, she wrote “…I took full advantage of being stuck indoors and, as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, I transformed into the person I was meant to be … I am confident in myself and feel free, strong, and beautiful. Like Banda Los Recoditos once said, ‘La vida es prestada y hay que disfrutarla’ – Life is not yours, it is borrowed, so enjoy it”. Zamudio also looked to her future and how her efforts could transform the lives of others. “It is 2042 and I am now known as Jazmin Zamudio, the doctor who discovered solutions for all people to take advantage of – regardless of income level or insurance policies.”
Zamudio’s record of achievement at Detroit Cristo Rey High School is impressive and includes being on the Principal’s List all four years, receiving the All-Catholic Soccer Award, the All-Academic Volleyball Award, and being a member of the National Honors Society. She has also volunteered with the American Red Cross.
Christopher J. Lynch, President, Detroit Cristo Rey High School, commended Zamudio’s accomplishment and the collective scholarships received by the Class of 2023, stating, “What Jazmin has accomplished by being awarded The Gates Scholarship is amazing and counts amongthe roughly $2.6 million in merit scholarships received thus far by this class. This is in addition to $1.1M in government-related aid for our students.”
About Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Detroit Cristo Rey High School provides excellent college-preparatory Catholic high schooleducation, in the Cristo Rey Model, to students from economically disadvantaged families inDetroit. The school emphasizes faith, morals and service to the community. Through its workstudy program, the school fosters skills and attitudes important in the workplace, such asresponsibility, determination, and respect for self and others. In the finest tradition of Catholicoutreach, we welcome families of all denominations. With a challenging and supportive collegepreparatory program, we equip students with the core knowledge and competencies needed forcollege and the workplace. Our ultimate goal is to enable students to gain the skills to besuccessful in life and the commitment to make a difference in their families, their neighborhoods,and the world www.detroitcristorey.org
