Horacio Martinez, a senior at Montevallo High School, is the recent recipient of a Dell Scholars Program scholarship worth $20,000.  The scholarship is valid over six years, and provides technology, mentoring, and others resources to ensure Martinez and other recipients receive sufficient support to finish their college degrees.

Three hundred Dell Scholars Program scholarships were awarded across the United States, and Martinez is the only recipient from the state of Alabama.  He plans to study Engineering at the University of South Alabama this fall.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be the winner of this scholarship,” said Martinez.  “I have worked hard throughout high school and this award is a great treat for all the hard work.” 

Martinez is an active student at Montevallo High School.  He is a member of National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Scholars Bowl, the Montevallo Marching Troubadours and Symphonic Band, and the MHS soccer team.  He is also a four-year member of the Upward Bound program at the University of Montevallo. 

“Horacio is a very conscientious young man who has the drive and determination to be successful in life,” said Sharon Gilbert, the director of Upward Bound at UM. “I have had the privilege to watch him grow and develop into an outstanding individual.” 

“Horacio is an outstanding example of self-determination,” added MHS Principal Wesley Hester. “We constantly communicate the power of self-determination to our students, because being self-determined is taking control of your life and making the absolute best decisions for you and your pathway to success. Horacio not only exemplifies this quality, but has also demonstrated impressive levels of intellect and skill in this instance.” 

Dell Scholars recipients are expected to enroll in an accredited college or university in the fall directly following their high school graduation.  Each applicant must demonstrate several criteria as part of their application process, including need for financial assistance, future goals and plans to achieve them, ability to communicate and overcome hardships, and individual determination to succeed.  They must also take part in a college readiness program, such as Upward Bound, for at least their junior and senior years of high school.