Years of hard work in Garland ISD classrooms helped Sebastian Perez earn national scholarship recognition and new opportunities at UT Dallas.

Perez attended Hillside Academy for Excellence, Austin Academy for Excellence, and later Garland High School, where he completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and graduated in May 2025.

He said he entered high school looking for challenge and opportunity.

“Coming into high school, I wanted academic rigor and opportunity to be at the center of my educational experience,” Perez said. “The IB program offered both.”

The program helped him develop time management skills, research strategies, and the ability to balance academics with long-term goals.

Outside the classroom, Perez stayed involved through leadership organizations, fine arts, athletics, and service activities. He performed in the honors orchestra as a cellist and served as a captain for Garland High’s swim and water polo teams.

That preparation played a key role in a major achievement.

Perez was named a recipient of the Gates Scholarship, one of the most competitive scholarships in the nation. The program selects a small percentage of applicants from a pool of nearly 48,000 students each year.

“When I received the email, I immediately felt grateful for everything that led up to that moment,” he said. “I thought about my family and the sacrifices they made. It also meant I could pursue college without worrying about the cost.”

The scholarship provides full financial support along with mentorship and academic guidance.

Perez now attends the University of Texas at Dallas, where he has continued building on that foundation. He also earned admission into the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program, which offers additional academic opportunities and mentorship.

He said receiving both awards made his future feel more certain.

“It was an emotional moment,” Perez said. “The idea of a debt-free education became real.”

At UT Dallas, Perez studies supply chain management, business analytics, and artificial intelligence while pursuing a minor in environmental studies. He is also active across campus, including founding a Latinos in Law organization, serving in student government, and competing in Model United Nations.

His first year in college has brought growth and new experiences.

“My first semester has been incredible,” he said. “I found a strong community, stepped outside my comfort zone, and gained confidence in new areas.”

He credits his IB experience for preparing him to manage a demanding schedule.

“Time management was everything,” Perez said. “I came into college ready to handle a full workload and stay involved.”

That preparation has also allowed him to mentor younger students through the Gates Scholar network and pursue additional leadership opportunities.

“I know what it feels like to not have all the answers,” he said. “If I can help someone else navigate that, it matters to me.”

Perez is preparing for a semester abroad in Europe in 2027, an experience he once thought was beyond reach.

“I’ve never traveled outside of the United States,” he said. “Now I get to study abroad. That has always been a dream of mine.”

Looking ahead, he said his focus is on continuing to grow while giving back to the communities that supported him.

“Believe in yourself and stay involved in your community,” Perez said. “Your story matters.”

Perez adds, “I would like to thank every teacher, coach, counselor, and mentor who was a part of my journey in [Garland ISD]  in any way, big or small. Thank you for always believing in me and giving me every opportunity to achieve my goals. I am eternally grateful for all of you! Thank you to all of the following, along with countless others who deserve recognition as well.” 

Ms. Flores 

Ms. Gabbard

Ms. Nájera 

Ms. Akande 

Ms. Azeez 

Coach Becker 

Ms. Bowser 

Mrs. Conner 

Ms. Dale 

Ms. Drain

Ms. Ethridge 

Ms. Jimenez 

Mrs. King, 

Ms. Luna 

Mrs. Nelson 

Mr. Norris 

Mrs. O’Bryant 

Mrs. Wilson 

Ms. Zercher 

Ms. Ayers 

Mr. Fishpaw 

Coach Gamble 

Ms. Lambright 

Mr. Mayberry 

Señora Montero 

Ms. Pershey 

Ms. Speed 

Ms. Tran 

Ms. Aguilar 

Mr. Duke Barnett 

Ms. Boone 

Ms. Carr 

Ms. Castillo 

Mr. Chavez 

Mr. Cooper 

Mrs. Davis 

Mr. Ditty 

Mrs. Forester 

Coach Ford 

Ms. Fuller 

Señor Giambasu 

Mrs. Johnson 

Mrs. Kime 

Mr. Mai

Mr. Moore 

Mrs. O’Keefe 

Ms. Portele 

Mr. Ramirez 

Mr. Reyes 

Ms. Rodriguez 

Dr. Simmons 

Mr. Schmidt

Mr. Swanson 

Mr. Szatmary 

Mr. Yancey 

Mrs. Pruitt 

Mrs. Samford 

Mrs. Howell 

Mr. Howell 

Mr. Needham 

Coach Wiggins 

Coach Hafner

Coach Henderson, 

Coach Brown 

Coach Chris 

Coach Alvarez 

Eric Mok