Madison Reporter

Three rising juniors from the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have been selected to participate in the Galin Scholars program, an initiative by a Madison-based educational nonprofit. They will join three seniors who are entering their second year with the program.

The selected Grade 11 students are Kelvin Hobenu and Saidu Njie from East High School, and Alan Mecatl from Vel Phillips Memorial High School. The Grade 12 participants are Angie Barrera Gonzalez and Adriana Villagomez from La Follette High School, and Bill Chen from Vel Phillips Memorial High School.

“Every student deserves the resources, tools and confidence to design their own successful future,” said Langston Evans, MMSD’s director of college & career readiness. “We thank Galin Scholars for their work with young people of color, connecting them with world-class resources that will empower them to graduate from college and be successful in their careers and lives. Together, we can ensure every student achieves success.”

Founded in 2022, Galin Scholars assists students from historically underrepresented demographics in higher education by guiding them through the college preparation and admissions process. The organization aims to match students with schools that align with their individual interests and strengths while fostering their academic and professional aspirations.

The program offers personalized ACT preparation, college counseling, academic coaching, as well as access to extracurricular opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics—all at no cost to participants. Many of these students will be the first in their families to attend college.