Two Las Vegas Teens Win $400K Scholarships to Top Schools

Alianna Gallegos and Antonio D. Romero are heading to college with something most students only dream about: a full ride to top universities with zero debt.

The 17-year-old graduates from West Las Vegas High School and Robertson High School respectively just made history in their hometown. They're the first Las Vegas students to win and accept the Davis New Mexico Scholarship, which covers up to $400,000 for first-generation college students to attend seven prestigious partner schools across the country.

"It feels like it's been a long time coming," said Sam Ritter, director of the Davis New Mexico Scholarship program. The scholarship has been available for 11 years, but Las Vegas schools have spent years building relationships and educating students about this opportunity.

Gallegos still can't believe it's real. She credits her parents, her 13-year-old brother, her grandmother, and her close friends who are "scared for me to go to college out of state, but they're accepting."

She'll attend St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, majoring in social work. "I just want to help people in ways that matter," Gallegos said, noting that mental health care is particularly important to her.

Romero chose the University of Chicago to study political science. Both students were accepted to multiple top schools, but the Davis Scholarship meant they could pursue their dreams without burdening their families with debt.

"I didn't want the financial burden of a higher education to follow me and my family," Gallegos explained. She also received additional scholarships from Los Alamos National Lab and her local Elks Lodge.

The Ripple Effect

Both students participated in the Rural Opportunities for College Access New Mexico program, which helped them discover their passions through workshops and assessments. Their success proves that Las Vegas schools are preparing students well for college.

Ritter is thrilled to see both high schools represented. "We hope this is the first two scholarships of many," he said.

Gallegos plans to become a licensed social worker and eventually return home to be close to family. Romero also hopes to make a big impact back in Las Vegas after earning his political science degree.

Their achievement opens a path that future Las Vegas students can now clearly see and follow.