Oswaldo (Oz) Contreras, a Scholars' Latino Initiative mentee and student at Jordan Matthews High School, earned the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill. One of the most highly esteemed scholarships in the nation, thousands apply for this award, covering full tuition and expenses at UNC as well as summer enrichment programs and Discovery Fund grants. Students are chosen based upon scholarship, leadership, and great moral character.
While many high school seniors have their parents to help them in the college application process, Oswaldo relied upon the help of his SLI mentor, counselors, and peers to help him earn not only gain acceptance into UNC but also win an impressive scholarship. With parents who escaped a civil war in El Salvador, only having completed elementary school, Oz is leading the way in his family’s education.
In addition to performing well in his AP classes, he also helps translate his family’s bills, mail, and other important documents. During the week, he wakes up before 5am to earn some money before school starts. Oz also serves as the captain of his high school soccer team and starts a pick up soccer league on the weekends.
Oz was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams in a segment of We the People, focusing on the struggles of second generation immigrants. Oz’s commitment to his family and education help him persevere through all his hardships as he must be a leader in his family.