As a proud Mexican American committed to academics, David Escamilla will remind you that the first university in the Americas was actually established in Mexico City in 1551.   

An honors student and valedictorian of Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, TX, David firmly believes that anything can be accomplished through hard work and determination.  Inspired by great Hispanic intellects such as Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz, a Costa Rican who has flown five space shuttle missions and headed the Advanced Propulsion Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center, David focuses on developing his academic skills to positively impact society.  He is the recipient of 11 academic and service awards and was captain of his school’s varsity swim team.   

David believes that part of success is giving back to his community, and has spent over 700 hours performing community service, such as tutoring Hispanic pre-school students and launching the Dallas Region of the National Hispanic Institute as a way to develop future leaders.   

In the fall, David will attend Harvard University and then pursue a career in public service and Latino community advocacy.  Ultimately he wants to make a sustainable impact by developing leaders, helping alleviate poverty, or increasing opportunities for education.