TAUNTON - Superintendent John J. Cabral is pleased to announce that Taunton High School Senior Zach Gay has been awarded the prestigious Founders’ Scholarship at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
The Founders’ Scholarship, now in its second year, is a four-year “full ride” scholarship and is awarded to two high-achieving Massachusetts seniors. To qualify for the scholarship, students must have a cumulative 4.0 GPA, a minimum 1200 SAT score, and reside on campus at UMassD.
“I am grateful for all the opportunities I will have next year at UMass Dartmouth,” said Gay. “I am greatly looking forward to working closely with the other Founders’ Scholarship recipients.”
Gay was formally presented with the scholarship at a signing ceremony in the Early College Center at Taunton High School on March 18 in front of UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller, Taunton High School Principal Scott Holcomb, Superintendent Cabral and members of the District Leadership Team, School Committee members, friends, and family.
“Zach is an exemplary member of the Taunton Public Schools family and we are immensely proud of his accomplishments,” said Superintendent Cabral. “It’s both gratifying and rewarding to see a student like Zach earn such a distinguished scholarship.
Gay will enroll in UMassD’s Honors College next fall as an engineering major. The Honors College is part of the Commonwealth Honors Scholars Program. Graduating students received special recognition on transcripts, diplomas, and at convocation.
“Having a built-in community that is so welcoming is a great relief and having numerous opportunities through the Honors College is nothing short of exciting,” said Gay. “I am also greatly awaiting my time in the College of Engineering! Furthering my education through biomedical engineering with the support of the entire Bioengineering Department is a dream come true.”
“I am delighted to welcome Zach to the UMass Dartmouth community. He has had an impressive high school career, and I know he will be an exemplary engineering student in the Honors College,” said Chancellor Fuller. “Our University is proud to serve the higher education needs of our region and provide students like Zach with extraordinary opportunities.”
Gay’s older sister Marisa is a current UMass Dartmouth student and he is looking forward to being on campus with her. “I’m grateful to be able to join some of the many clubs and organizations that UMass Dartmouth has to offer, specifically the Pep Band,” said Gay.
Gay is a member of the National Honor Society and DECA and volunteers with Tigers Together, a peer mentorship program at Taunton High School helping younger students adjust to high school life. Gay is also an accomplished musician, serving as Drum Major in the marching band plays the alto saxophone in the symphonic band. Gay also earned Magna Cum Laude on the National Latin Exam in 2022. He is the 2024 Mr. THS winner.