Four graduating high school seniors seeking to advance their education were recently awarded the 2023 CGCS-Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship by the Council of the Great Schools. 

Two African American and two Hispanic students were chosen from high schools in three of the 78 urban school districts represented by the Council. They were selected among several hundred applicants in big-city school districts across the nation for their exceptional academic ability and achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

Now in its fifth year, the scholarship was created by former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African American to walk in space, to encourage and assist promising students of diverse backgrounds who plan to pursue science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) studies after high school.

“It is an honor for me to invest in the lives of our nation’s next generation of STEM leaders through this scholarship,” said Harris. “Each of these young men and women have demonstrated intelligence, leadership, and determination, and I look forward to seeing how the next steps in their educational journeys unfold.”

Each scholar will receive $5,000 for continued education in a STEM-related field. This year’s award winners are:

• Zion Duplechain, who attended Energy Institute High School in Houston, TX
• Fabiana Mastantuono, who attended Lake Nona High School in Orlando, FL
• Emmanuel Vasquez, who attended Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center in Houston, TX
• Reauna Walker, who attended East Technical High School in Cleveland, OH

In the fall, Duplechain plans to attend Columbia University to major in electrical engineering. Mastantuono will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Florida. Vasquez plans to study electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, and Walker will major in biology at Morgan State University.

“One of the most worthy and impactful investments which one can make is in a young person’s education, and we greatly appreciate Dr. Harris’ generosity,” said Council Executive Director Ray Hart. “We also thank the educators in urban school districts who have contributed to the development of these distinguished students, and we wish each of them a bright future.”

Administration of the scholarship program, including the application process, pre-selection, and presentation of awards, is provided by CGCS. Dr. Harris makes the final selection of recipients.