Benjamin Franklin High School Announces Two Gates Scholars

NEW ORLEANS (May 16, 2024) – Benjamin Franklin High School is delighted to share that it has not one but two Gates Scholars in the Class of 2024.

Each year, between 30,000 to 50,000 applicants apply for Gates Scholarships and only 1% to 2% of students are chosen. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at a school of the recipient’s choice, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation. According to the Gates Scholarship Program, an ideal candidate will have an outstanding academic record, demonstrated leadership ability, and exceptional personal success skills. 

Our two winners this year – Laila Javery ’24 and Vladimir Nogueira ’24 – have all of that and more! 

Javery is a three-year member of the Student Council, a member of National Honor Society, president of the Black Culture Club, manager of the girls’ basketball team, an officer of the Urban Culture Step Team, and a peer tutor. She is trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, liturgical, and contemporary dance and earned recognition as an AP Scholar and a National African American Scholar. She plans to study public health at Columbia University in the fall. 

Nogueira is the engineering director of FIRST Robotics Team and a four-year member of the team, as well as an Eagle Scout and a member of National Honor Society, Chess Club, Boxing Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and Gaming Club. He also plays violin and piano and earned recognition as an AP Scholar and a National Merit Finalist. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech next year. 

“To have not one but two scholars win this prestigious award is an amazing achievement,” said Counseling Department Chair Tami Wilson. “We are exceptionally proud of both Laila and Vladimir and cannot wait to watch them succeed in college and beyond!”

Laila Javery

Vladimir Nogueira