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Pasadena Unified’s John Muir High School Student Wins Prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship
Education Apr 20, 2016
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A student in John Muir’s Engineering and Environmental Science Academy, Prakash plans to major in engineering and has been accepted to UCLA, California State University Pomona, and CSU San Luis Obispo. – Courtesy Photo
Marshall Fundamental and Pasadena High School Receive Silver Medal From US News & World Report as Part of Best High Schools Ranking
John Muir High School senior Prakash Dass has been named a 2016 Gates Millennium Scholar, becoming the school’s seventh winner of the prestigious academic scholarship since 2005, announced Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) officials. Marshall Fundamental and Pasadena High School (PHS) were also named recipients of the 2016 Silver Medal from US News & World Report as part of the magazine’s Best High Schools ranking.
“Congratulations to Prakash and John Muir High School for this extraordinary achievement,” said Superintendent Brian McDonald. “Behind every student’s success are hundreds of hours of work by a team of excellent teachers and staff. I would also like to congratulate the students, faculty, staff and families of Marshall and PHS on their silver medal ranking.”
A student in John Muir’s Engineering and Environmental Science Academy, Prakash plans to major in engineering and has been accepted to UCLA, California State University Pomona, and CSU San Luis Obispo. He is a member of John Muir’s Solar Cup Team and participated in the Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation summer program at Pasadena City College.
“This is a great accomplishment for John Muir and demonstrates that our students are ready to seize opportunities on a global and highly competitive scale,” said John Muir High School Principal Tim Sippel.
As a Gates Scholar, Prakash joins the ranks of a prestigious group of talented students from across the country awarded the scholarship that can be used to pursue a degree in any undergraduate major and selected graduate programs at accredited colleges or universities. Established in 1999 with the goal of developing leaders and removing financial barriers to education for high-performing, low-income students, the Gates Millennium Scholarship is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Marshall Fundamental Secondary School and PHS have received Silver Medals and are nationally ranked as 2016 Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
“Thank you to the outstanding and dedicated teachers, our supportive parents and amazing students – this is an honor that reflects the entire family of Marshall,” said Marshall Principal Mark Anderson. “We are proud that Marshall has once again earned the Silver Medal and ranking as one of the top high schools in the country.”
“I am very proud of the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty, staff and administration,” said PHS Principal Gilbert Barraza. “Doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways has created many more opportunities for our students.”
The U.S. News rankings include data on more than 21,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments, their graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college. See the list
U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 Best High Schools rankings highlight top-performing public schools on a state and national level. The 2015 rankings, available exclusively at usnews.com, include data on more than 21,000 public high schools.
U.S. News differentiates high schools with gold, silver and bronze medals, using gold medals to indicate the greatest level of college readiness. For more information about Best High Schools, visit www.usnews.com/highschools
“It is clear that PUSD educators are ensuring that our graduates are prepared to lead locally and globally,” said Board of Education President Elizabeth Pomeroy. “Our schools continue to succeed in serving as innovative leaders in offering 21st century educational opportunities.”
