Woodrow senior Dayna Martin (at right) won the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates, it is a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university. Gates Millennium Scholars are provided with personal and professional development through leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college careers. Only 1,000 students nationwide are chosen. In 2010, Woodrow senior Ryder Billings won this honor. He is now a student at Yale University, where he is a member of The Alley Cats singing group. Martin has served as third officer in the school’s JRTOC for three years. As personnel officer, she sets up the battalion in drill ceremonies and inspections, manages all of the cadet records and is in charge of promoting and demoting the ranks of cadets. She also helps to select the cadets for certain awards, ribbons and medals.

Martin said: “As a Woodrow student, I am honored to have received this scholarship. Now I have the opportunity to attend a four-year university! I have a bright future set, and I will do my best to succeed and bring pride to my school. Woodrow was my gateway to a higher education; from gaining leadership skills in the JROTC program, being involved with my community through the Interact club and the Rotary Club of Dallas, to becoming a Gates Millennium Scholar. Woodrow is full of opportunities and the teachers and staff are simply amazing. I thank them so much for all of their support and motivation throughout these years.”