Pioneer Valley High School student receives $100,000 McDonald’s HACER Scholarship

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Pioneer Valley High School's Vladimir Rosales is one of 30 people in the nation to receive the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship.

Vladimir Rosales is heading to San Jose State University where he will major in mechanical engineering.

Throughout his high school career, Rosales has worked hard in both academics and sports. He was a part of the cross country and track and field teams as a runner and team captain. He was also involved in his school's Key Club.

Rosales was also a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and served as a Spanish translator and peer tutor.

His achievements have made him stand out among his peers. Karen Apple heads the peer-tutoring program and said, “He uses his knowledge and skills, not just to teach, but to build up those who surround him. He is a leader as much as he is a forerunner who sets the pace. He will be greatly missed, but we are so excited for what lies ahead of him.’’

Vladimir Rosales will be the first in his family to attend college. "At the end of the day, without my parents, I wouldn't have had the motivation to be the first my family to attend a four-year university. I hope to inspire my siblings to continue their pursuit of a higher education," said Rosales.

The McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship winners are selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

The selection process includes an application, a personal questionnaire and interviews with a distinguished panel of judges representing academia, business, media, and McDonald’s.