Gates Scholarship Paves Future For Murrieta Valley Grad

A soon-to-be Murrieta Valley High School graduate can look forward to her college years without having to worry about finances.

Celeste Hinojosa, 18, learned this week she was one of 1,000 students accepted into the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Originally funded with a $1-billion donation from Microsoft Founder Bill Gates and wife Melinda, more than 24,000 students applied this year, according to GMSP.org.

What this means for Celeste is she can attend a U.S. college or university of her choosing and is allotted up to $250,000 over the course of her education. She has already committed to California Baptist University with financial assistance, but said she hopes with this turn of events she can attend her first choice: Point Loma Nazarene University.

"It makes me more confident about the future. It definitely is life-changing. It is a huge blessing I never expected," said Celeste, who plans to become a neonatal nurse.

"Now that I have received this scholarship I definitely feel obligated to get at least a master's degree."

Applicants are judged on three criteria: academic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

Celeste, who carries a 3.8 GPA, has been a cheerleader at for four years. During that time, she has volunteered to coach a Pop Warner cheer squad. She's also volunteered with the Murrieta Relay for Life for two years.

"Cancer has been something close to my heart because when I was younger, my 3-year-old cousin passed away from brain cancer," she said.

The good-through-graduation scholarship from the Gates Millennium Scholars Program will also help her family, she said.

"It will have a huge impact on my family. I have a brother two years younger than me and I didn't want my family to go in debt putting me through college. So this will help them prepare for his college," she said.

Celeste's mother and stepfather, Carrie and Patrick Rose, expressed their gratitude for the opportunities this creates for Celeste.

"We are very happy and of course proud for Celeste," Carrie said. "This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for her to continue to serve as a role model to other high school students. We encourage other students to apply for this scholarship.

"The Gates Millennium scholarship has given Celeste an opportunity that we thought was beyond our reach. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is more than just money she will receive. There are various programs and activities along with a mentor program for Celeste throughout her journey."