EMS ISD Students Earning Top Scholarships to Pursue Dreams

In the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, extensive scholarship opportunities are turning students’ post-graduation dreams into reality. No matter what a student’s passion is, EMS ISD helps facilitate scholarships that equip students with the resources and support they need to succeed in life beyond high school. 

For Olaoluwapo “Ola” Oladipo, a Saginaw High School senior, that means a full-ride scholarship to Rice University. 

Oladipo is one of a growing list of QuestBridge Scholars in EMS ISD. These high-performing academic students with financial needs are matched by QuestBridge with a college or university of their choice. 

“Receiving this scholarship has opened so many doors for me,” Oladipo said. “It’s not just about the money. It’s about the belief that I can achieve my goals, no matter how big they seem.” 

Oladipo’s path to success reflects the district’s commitment to personalized opportunities. EMS ISD educators understand that no two students are the same, and that each student’s interests, needs, and goals deserve to be nurtured.  

From academics to extracurriculars, scholarships in EMS ISD cater to a wide range of talents. 

For students like Michael Burch, a 2024 Saginaw High School graduate, EMS ISD’s rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone courses, were invaluable.  

Burch is currently attending Harvey Mudd College on a full academic scholarship, pursuing degrees in computer science and physics with plans to attend graduate school and eventually become an astronaut. He received the scholarship in part through research he did for his AP Capstone courses in high school. 

“Taking seven AP classes my senior year really prepared me for college,” Burch said. “The heavy course load wasn’t new to me, and I learned how to manage my time and handle challenging assignments. It’s given me the tools I need to succeed at Harvey Mudd, and I couldn’t be more excited about my future.” 

It’s not just high achieving academics or financial needs attracting these large scholarships to EMS ISD high schools. Naima Ghnaim is a 2024 graduate of Boswell High School, now attending Texas A&M University on a Department of Defense Dellums Scholarship.  

Ghnaim was one of only 13 Department of Defense Dellums Scholars across the United States in 2024. Her entire college expenses are paid for, and she receives money each month for additional living expenses. Ghnaim is also guaranteed an internship every summer and was already guaranteed a job with the Department of Defense before she even started college. 

Ghnaim’s experience in the EMS ISD Air Force JROTC, combined with the district’s rigorous academics, led to her scholarship and prepared her for college.

“EMS ISD’s AP classes were critical in my transition to college,” Ghnaim said. “I feel well-prepared for the challenges I’m facing in college, and the scholarship allows me to focus on my studies without worrying about financial burdens. My goal is to graduate with honors and begin my job with the Department of Defense, where I can continue to serve my country.” 

Beyond these, through the EMS Education Foundation, EMS ISD students are afforded a range of scholarship opportunities that focus on community service initiatives and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also foster leadership, service and personal growth. 

“Our students receiving scholarships of this caliber are the result of their hard work, the dedication of our educators, and the guidance of our excellent counseling teams,” said Mark Hard, EMS ISD director of Counseling and Campus Support. “Our counselors are committed to helping students navigate the scholarship process, ensuring they find opportunities that align with their aspirations and put them on a path to success.” 

The other key component for this level of success are the guidance counselors who help students discover these rare, national scholarship opportunities, and the world class educators who prepare the students. 

“The teachers are a big part of the level of success students have [in EMS ISD],” Oladipo added. 

The EMS ISD Class of 2024, which graduated in May 2024, received scholarships and awards totaling more than $21.6 million for excellence in academics to fine arts to athletics, and graduates were accepted into nearly 130 colleges and universities as well as military service and the workforce. Scholarships from national sources, as well as strong community support from local sources, ensure that EMS ISD graduates continue to have opportunities after high school to turn their dreams into reality.