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Five New Rochelle High School (NRHS) Class of 2026 students are headed to prestigious colleges and universities on full, four-year QuestBridge Scholarships. QuestBridge matches high-achieving students with the nation’s top colleges to provide “transformative educational, career, and life opportunities.” The scholarships support students for whom top-tier colleges are financially out of reach.

The five New Rochelle students are among an elite group of 2,550 finalists nationwide recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. The New Rochelle students are matched to Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern, and Colgate. They will receive early admission and scholarships that will cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. 

“This year’s Match Scholarship Recipients embody excellence in so many ways, and we’re excited to support them as they continue to dream big,” said Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “Since QuestBridge’s founding over 30 years ago, we’ve witnessed the incredible impact our Scholars can make in their lives, families, and communities, and we know that this year’s students will make a positive impact, too.”

Student Government President Carlos Del Aguila is the first person in his family to attend college, and he is headed to Harvard to study applied mathematics with a focus on sociology. He attributes his success to the connections, encouragement, and guidance he received from his teachers and counselors during his 12 years in New Rochelle schools, and he encouraged others to pursue similar opportunities. 

“Even if you don’t come from a position of privilege in college admissions, and even if you don’t believe you’re the one to do it, just give it a shot. It’s possible. Being surrounded by excellence and world-class faculty with opportunities for research and networking, it’s opening a whole new set of doors for my future that I never would have had without them. This opportunity will change my life immeasurably,” Del Aguila said.  

His friend since their Jefferson Elementary School days, Bryan Mesajil, echoed his sentiments. Mesajil has been awarded a full scholarship to MIT, where he plans to study mechanical engineering. He, too, is the first member of his family to attend a university. 

“I wouldn’t have expected in a million years to match to MIT. From early on in fifth grade, my teachers told me they had really high hopes for me. I don’t think of myself the way they see me. I never would have expected anything as great as MIT. It’s an unbelievable outcome.” 

Daniella Anane-Sarfo learned about QuestBridge from a TikTok video. She researched the opportunity and took a chance that gained her admission to Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where she will study biology or neuroscience in pursuit of her dream of attending medical school. 

“I look forward to being part of the tight-knit Colgate community. It will help me grow more emotionally and academically, and will be the perfect place for me to learn, be more curious, and get to connect with people from different backgrounds. I know it will prepare me for what is ahead,” said Anane-Sarfo. 

Motivated to study biomedical engineering by her mother’s illness, Melony Escobar applied for the QuestBridge scholarship at the encouragement of her school counselor. She will attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois – a dream come true for a girl who had only envisioned going to school in New York State and working hard to pay for it. 

Escobar said, “Now I know that there is no limit. This was never on my radar because I never thought I could leave New York to study. All the support from my administrators and counselors has opened many doors. People in the school helped me branch out and do the most I can with my opportunities for success.” 

Sophia Fuentes will study neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the first from her family to go to a university and feels that Penn is the perfect fit. She wants to study neuroscience so she can help people like her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s disease. 

“The New Rochelle Science Research Program has had the biggest impact on my academic career. Without it, I would not be able to get where I am now,” said Fuentes. “They tasked me with finding a mentor in the research program that I wanted to pursue, which I found at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. I have been able to get hands-on experience with what I want to work with in the future.” 

“New Rochelle schools are elated to celebrate this extraordinary milestone. To cultivate five QuestBridge Scholars in a single graduating class shatters our wildest expectations,” said Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds. “This is the powerful culmination of the tireless collective work and unwavering commitment of our K-12 educators and support professionals, ensuring each of our students realizes their highest potential.”

Four of the five QuestBridge Scholars are involved in the New Rochelle High School Science Research Program, a three-year honors sequence that trains students to design independent research projects and develop the professional skills needed to seek out mentors or conduct original studies. Throughout the program, students build advanced abilities in scientific writing, data analysis, public speaking, and research presentation. 

“We are absolutely beaming with pride,” said NRHS Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. “Our students are our driving force – they are our‘why.’ Their success and this prestigious recognition powerfully validate the rigorous, high-caliber education we deliver every day. It is a brilliant highlight for our Science Research Program, which pushes boundaries with opportunities typically only available in college, and has earned national recognition for both our program and our incredible students.” 

NRHS Science Research Program Coordinators Jeff Wuebber and Erica Curran seek to foster scientific curiosity in students, inspiring them to ask questions, explore, and discover. Through the program, students gain professional experience and develop a deep understanding of current research trends. 

“This recognition for our students is the result of our district’s wholehearted investment in and support of our program. What these students have accomplished is truly life-changing. We are so proud that the Science Research Program was able to contribute to their personal and academic growth that might not have otherwise been possible. This has been our vision since our program’s inception, and we look forward to its continued growth and success for future students,” said Wuebber.  

“These students have consistently shown up, worked hard, and have overcome significant challenges,” said Curran. “QuestBridge has opened a door for them, and I am confident they will excel in this opportunity. We are incredibly proud of all of them.”