Two Ossining Seniors Earn Life-Changing Scholarships

When Daniela Cordero logged into her QuestBridge application portal and saw she had been matched with the University of Pennsylvania, she was shocked. "I stared at the letter for a good 20 minutes," she said, still in disbelief at what had just happened. For Steven Castillo Arpi, the moment brought relief and joy as he learned he would attend Davidson College on a full scholarship. "Coming from a low-income household, college was a big dream. Knowing it will be paid for relieved any financial worries for me and my parents," Steven shared.

Both Daniela and Steven, seniors at Ossining High School, have reached a remarkable milestone as recipients of the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match scholarships. This recognition is a result of their years of dedication, resilience, and academic excellence.

The QuestBridge program connects high-achieving, low-income high school seniors with four-year scholarships to some of the nation’s most elite colleges. Daniela and Steven are among the top 2,627 students nationwide selected for this honor, chosen from a pool of more than 25,500 applicants.

This prestigious recognition is granted to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with recipients boasting an impressive average unweighted GPA of 3.94. Furthermore, 92% of QuestBridge scholars rank in the top 10% of their graduating class, and 83% are the first in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.

Through this program, Daniela and Steven have been admitted early to their respective colleges with comprehensive financial aid packages. These scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and meals, books and supplies, and travel expenses.

The journey to this accomplishment was no small feat. Daniela credits her parents for inspiring her and shaping her journey. "I am where I am today because of them, and I’m so happy to show them this result of their hard work," she said, expressing her gratitude for being able to receive an elite education without placing a financial burden on her family. For Steven, the process was equally collaborative, as he reflected on the support he received from his teachers, counselor, parents, and friends. "All the time and effort put in didn’t go to waste. I had a great supporting cast around me," he said.

Jeremy Ducos, Director of School Counseling, emphasized the rigor of the application process, noting that it demands significant time and effort from students.

“It’s inspiring to see the hard work and dedication of our students pay off with such a life-changing opportunity,” said Mr. Ducos. “Daniela and Steven persevered with determination, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements and the doors this will open for their futures.”

The application process was indeed rigorous, requiring months of commitment to meet multiple deadlines, write essays, and prepare materials. Both students stressed the importance of time management and patience. Steven encouraged future applicants to stay organized and seek help when needed. "If you don’t know something or feel lost, don’t be afraid to ask a teacher, counselor, parent, or even a friend for guidance," he said. Daniela added that authenticity is key, advising applicants to “take advantage of the space QuestBridge gives you to tell your full, authentic story. The right college will listen.”

For Daniela, the University of Pennsylvania represents not only an academic opportunity but a chance to honor her family’s sacrifices. Steven, who is passionate about biology, is particularly excited about Davidson’s programs in ecology, conservation, and animal behavior, as well as the chance to conduct lab research and fieldwork.

Principal LaToya Langley expressed her admiration for the two students and the example they set for their peers.

“We are incredibly proud of Daniela and Steven for earning this prestigious recognition,” said Ms. Langley. “Their resilience and commitment to excellence represent the strength and potential of Ossining’s students, and this honor reflects the support and opportunities provided by our school community.”

As they prepare to embark on their next chapters, Daniela and Steven join an elite network of scholars poised to make a significant impact on the world. Their accomplishments are evidence of the power of perseverance, community, and the pursuit of big dreams.