From Nigeria to Midway: Senior Earns Prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
For Midway High School senior John Araoye, an email changed everything.
Earlier that same day, John had received a college rejection. Like many students navigating the uncertainty of the college process, he worried about finances and what the future might hold. Then came another message — one informing him he had been selected for the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship.
“I was so happy,” John said. “It felt amazing.”
The scholarship provides $40,000 toward college expenses — $10,000 per year for four years — along with a paid internship opportunity with Amazon after his freshman year of college.
For John, the moment represented more than financial support. It was confirmation that the hard work he has poured into his education since arriving in the United States just two years ago is paying off.
The transition from Nigeria to Texas was not always easy.
“It’s been very challenging,” he said. “But I stayed focused.”
Teachers and mentors at Midway quickly noticed his determination and work ethic. John became known for staying on top of deadlines, responding quickly to opportunities, and pushing himself academically.
His interests have increasingly shifted toward engineering, particularly electrical engineering, because he enjoys exploring different fields and gaining hands-on experience to better understand how things work.
John plans to attend the University of Michigan to study electrical engineering and participate in a college advising program designed to support students pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Despite his accomplishments, John remains humble and focused on encouraging others.
“Always take hold of every opportunity,” he said. “Just apply. This is a testament that hard work always pays off.”
From a student adjusting to life in a new country to a nationally recognized scholarship recipient with a bright future ahead, John’s story reflects perseverance, ambition, and the opportunities possible through dedication and support.
Midway ISD congratulates John on this incredible achievement and looks forward to seeing the impact he will make in the future.
