Wellington Speech & Debate alum Carolina Aguilera Garza (WHS ’22) graduated from Cornell University in late May with top honors, including recognition as a Merrill Presidential Scholar, awarded to the top 0.5 percent of the graduating class.
As part of this distinction, Carolina was allowed to select the secondary school teacher who significantly influenced her academic development. Carolina selected Wellington Debate Coach Paul Gaba for this recognition, and the all-expense-paid celebration took place in Ithaca, NY.
A total of 31 members of the Cornell Class of 2026, plus their chosen educators, as well as their chosen Cornell faculty advisors, were recognized.
Part of the honor includes a $4,000 scholarship in Coach Gaba’s name for a future Cornell student from Wellington or the Wellington area with financial need.
It was an amazing 24-hour-long period, and Coach Gaba was extremely humbled by the recognition.