Marist High School Senior Sire Holloway Wins Prestigious Gates Scholarship
Marist High School senior Sire Holloway, of Chicago, has been awarded The Gates Scholarship, one of the nation’s most competitive and prestigious scholarships for minority high school seniors who show exemplary leadership. This fall, Holloway will attend Howard University, majoring in computer science with aspirations of becoming a creative director at a major video game company.
Holloway discovered the opportunity while exploring Howard University’s scholarship resources. With the support of his Marist community, including Mrs. Barry, who wrote his recommendation, and Ms. Amato, who offered feedback on his essays, he advanced through a rigorous application and interview process. “The interview process stood out the most to me,” he said. “It was my first interview since eighth grade when I applied to Marist.”
A 2021 graduate of St. John De LaSalle School in Chicago, Holloway chose Marist High School after touring the campus and being particularly impressed with its science wing. Marist’s state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. science wing transforms the learning and teaching experience, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities such as an Anatomy & Physiology Lab, a Forensics Lab, an Environmental Science Lab, and the Queen of the Heavens Planetarium Dome, designed by the same architects as the Adler Planetarium. He was also drawn to the school’s welcoming culture and wide range of extracurriculars. At Marist, he found a place where he could grow both academically and personally.
Over the past four years, he has distinguished himself as the president of the Black Student Union, a member of the National Honor Society, and an active leader in the school community.
“My experience at Marist has significantly shaped who I am today,” Holloway said. “The supportive environment helped me build strong friendships and a sense of community. It encouraged my academic and personal growth and taught me valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership.”
Choosing Howard University was a natural next step. “Howard has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence,” he shared. “The Disney Storyteller Project also presents an incredible opportunity that could lead to a career at Disney, aligning perfectly with my personal and professional goals.”
Receiving The Gates Scholarship, which covers the full cost of college tuition and room and board, marks a major milestone. “There was definitely a moment when I realized I could really get this scholarship,” he recalled. “It was when I got the email saying I was a finalist out of 1,500 people. That was such an exciting moment and made me feel like all my hard work was paying off.”
Holloway credits much of his success to his support system, including Marist faculty, particularly Marist President, Larry Tucker ‘79, and his mother, who helped him refine his scholarship essays. His message to future students dreaming big is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be afraid to chase your goals. Inch by inch is a cinch, take things step by step. Stay focused, work hard, surround yourself with supportive people, and know that setbacks are part of the journey.”
The Gates Scholarship is awarded annually to exceptional student leaders from low-income, minority backgrounds, helping them realize their maximum potential. Scholars must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership, and exceptional personal success skills.
Marist High School congratulates Sire Holloway on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to seeing all he accomplishes at Howard University and beyond!
