Exemplary Eagle: High School Junior Gabriel G.

It was during a Zoom meeting, against the backdrop of the global pandemic, that Gabriel G. received the life-altering news: he had been chosen as a Graded Scholar. 

Every two years, hundreds of talented fifth-graders from partner schools and NGOs in neighboring communities vie for space in the Hitoshi Castro Outreach Program. After a rigorous selection process, just 10 students are invited to receive intensive English instruction at Graded. Following the 18-month program, standouts become Graded Scholars on a space-available basis.

As a Hitoshi Castro Outreach Program participant, Gabriel pushed himself to follow a demanding schedule. He attended morning public school in neighboring Vila Sônia and dedicated his afternoons to learning English at Graded.

A determined and driven student, Gabriel shone amongst his peers in his Outreach Program cohort.

"Gabe has raised the bar from what I expect of an amazing person to a level above the stars,” said Middle School Teacher and Graded Scholar Program Coordinator Fabi Oliveira. “He is intelligent, studious, empathetic, polite, and kind, and he demonstrates all those qualities while presenting strong intra and interpersonal skills.”

Becoming a Graded Scholar “was a moment of great joy,” Gabriel said. Now a full-time Graded student, he excels in and outside the classroom.

Last year, Gabriel was a finalist in the Rise for the World Program, an initiative created by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust that provides scholarships, mentorship, and networking to young leaders tackling critical societal issues. Inspired by his own story, Gabriel created a platform to share scholarship information with high-achieving students who require financial assistance to enroll in top schools in Brazil.

The experience enabled Gabriel to discover his true passion: helping others. Looking ahead, he aspires to pursue a career in either journalism or medicine, striving for a career path that will allow him to make a positive impact.

Gabriel’s desire to make a difference leads him to pursue service projects beyond academics. He actively participates in service clubs, engaging in conservation efforts at Clube da Onça or teaching martial arts to children from underserved communities as a member of Fight for Life. He’s also a force to be reckoned with on the soccer field. A varsity athlete, Gabriel has proudly represented the school in local and international tournaments, and his talents extend beyond the field.

“Gabriel always surprises me by demonstrating a high level of social and emotional intelligence at such a young age; he can quickly read the room and adapt to a myriad of variables,” said Upper School Brazilian Social Studies Teacher Edu Levati. “This is evident when I see him teaching soccer to my five- and three-year-old sons twice a week, often changing the learning targets.”

With the conviction that "helping people, regardless of background, is what creates a better world," Gabriel sets his sights on a future filled with purpose.