24 Students Win Science Scholarships in New Mexico

Twenty-four high school seniors in northern New Mexico just got life-changing news: they've won scholarships that will help fuel their dreams in science, math, and the arts.

The J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee announced this year's scholarship recipients from six area high schools. Students from Los Alamos High School to Santa Fe Indian School earned awards recognizing their academic excellence and passion for learning.

Helena Welch from Los Alamos High School received the top J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Scholarship for outstanding promise in science and mathematics. Fellow student Matthea Fung won a different award for academic achievement combined with significant interest in classical music, showing the program's range.

The scholarships honor different aspects of excellence. Some recognize future doctors and physicists, while others celebrate creativity and broad contributions to society. John Kang and Alyssa Sun both earned awards for promise in mathematical sciences, while Sara Khan won hers for combining academic excellence with creativity.

Regional schools shared in the celebration too. Capital High School had four winners, including Abraham Duran Carrillo, who showed exceptional promise of future contributions to society. Pojoaque Valley, Santa Fe, Española Valley, Jemez Valley, and Santa Fe Indian School also had students take home awards.

The Ripple Effect

Since 1984, this committee has awarded more than 352 scholarships totaling over $942,500 to students across northern New Mexico. The program does more than write checks. It tells young people in smaller communities that their scientific dreams matter and their potential is recognized.

The scholarships come from various donors, foundations, and families honoring loved ones. The Delle Foundation, the New Mexico Consortium, and private donors all contributed to making these awards possible. Each scholarship carries a name and a story, connecting today's students to scientists and community leaders who came before them.

The 24 recipients will be recognized at a banquet on June 22 in Los Alamos, just before the 53rd annual Oppenheimer Memorial Lecture. Professor Dante Lauretta will deliver this year's talk, continuing a tradition of bringing distinguished scientists to inspire the next generation.

The committee also supports science education outreach throughout northern New Mexico, ensuring Oppenheimer's spirit of excellence and open inquiry reaches beyond just scholarship winners.

These 24 students represent the future of science, medicine, mathematics, and innovation, and their communities just invested in making that future brighter.