Del Valle Senior Stephanie Obregon Lands Full-Ride Scholarship to Prestigious Boston College

Del Valle Early College High School senior, Stephanie Obregon, has achieved an extraordinary accomplishment, earning a whopping $374,000 full scholarship to Boston College, one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

Stephanie earned the scholarship through the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, which awarded just 2550 scholarships out of more than 25,000 applications. Since her freshman year, Stephanie knew she wanted to be part of QuestBridge and began preparing for the application process, focusing on building a strong record of academics, leadership, and community involvement.

As part of the program, Stephanie ranked her preferred universities, hoping for a match that could include a full scholarship. The program’s matching system adds an element of suspense, as students learn their final placements only on Match Day. When the day arrived, Stephanie was overwhelmed with emotion. “I checked my email around 8:30 in the morning,” she recalled. “I wanted to open it with my friends because they’ve supported me through everything. When I saw ‘Congratulations,’ I just started crying.” 

When asked why she chose Boston College as one of her preferred schools, she shared that its diverse community, rich historical setting, Gothic architecture, and strong political science programs immediately stood out, as she plans to study law after high school. 

Throughout her time at DVHS, Stephanie has been part of the Legal Studies pathway in the Career and Technical Education program, where she earned her mediation certification, competed in numerous events, internships, and gained valuable hands-on experience with the legal system.

This opportunity holds special meaning for Stephanie, who is a first-generation college student. As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, she carries the pride and responsibility of achieving something no one in her family has ever had the chance to pursue. 

“My mom never went to college - no one in my family ever did,” she shared. For Stephanie, earning this full-ride scholarship represents not only personal achievement but also a way to honor her parents’ sacrifices and resilience. 

The Del Valle community has played a major role in shaping her journey, as she attended Del Valle schools since Kindergarten. “(My teachers) always told us we were going to get ahead and wanted good things for us,” she said, reflecting on how their support built her confidence early on. 

By the time she reached middle school, Stephanie said she was already thinking about attending a prestigious university, and she remembers one middle school teacher in particular who told her, “You can do it,” a message that stayed with her as she continued her educational journey.

“Coming from Del Valle Elementary School up to Del Valle High School, I want other students to know that you can do it, you have everything you need in your hands, and you are fully capable of achieving something great,” she said when asked what she’d say to younger Del Valle students.

Stephanie is set to graduate from Del Valle Early College High School in May 2026 and is eager to begin the next chapter of her academic journey at Boston College.