Nogales High School Makes History with Four Nobles Named QuestBridge College Match Scholars

Nogales High School Makes History with Four Nobles Named QuestBridge College Match Scholars Totaling $1.6 Million in Full Scholarships to Prestigious Top Colleges

ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – JANUARY 20, 2026 – Rowland Unified School District is proud to announce a historic achievement for Nogales High School -- four senior scholars have been awarded the 2025 QuestBridge National College Match, which connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full scholarships to the nation’s top academic institutions. Nogales High School Nobles Jairo Albarran (Northwestern University), Jayla Guzman Murillo (Wellesley College), Tamar Rosas (Amherst College) and Tanner Yocum (Bowdoin College) each received early admission and secured a full four-year scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance including tuition, housing and food, books, supplies and travel expenses with no parental contribution or loans. This life-changing scholarship for each student is making college dreams a reality. The cost for four years combined for these students totals $1.6 million.

Jairo Albarran (Attending Northwestern University, a top private research university in Illinois) Jairo is ranked at the top of his class in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program. Jairo excels academically while also giving back to his community through mentorship and leadership. He is a member of the Pomona College Academy for Youth Success, PAYS, a residential college experience he has participated in since his freshman year. He has pursued advanced STEM opportunities, including coding, cybersecurity, and web design through the America on Tech Flex Leaders program. He is considering options in the math and science fields and leaning towards a career in engineering.

Jayla Guzman Murillo (Attending Wellesley College, a private women’s liberal arts college in Massachusetts) Jayla is a standout student in the International Baccalaureate Program, Jayla is also a Thrive Scholar at USC, where she continues to grow as a researcher, advocate, and community builder. Her passion for science began at home, inspiring her dream to pursue biochemistry and advance gene therapy so families -- especially those in underserved communities — have access to life-changing medical care.

Tamar Rosas (Attending Amherst College, a private liberal arts college in Massachusetts): Tamar approaches learning with curiosity and purpose, connecting her studies in science to her dream of becoming a veterinarian and advocating for animals and communities alike. She has honed her skills and leadership through programs like Thrive Scholars at USC and as a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, preparing for opportunities that will allow her to make a meaningful impact. A first-generation college student, Tamar is Secretary of the College Connect Club on campus where she helps foster a college-going culture at Nogales High School, supporting peers and building.

Tanner Yocum (Attending Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts college in Maine): Tanner is an exceptional scholar whose curiosity and love for learning shine in everything he does. Ranked in the top 1% of his class and thriving in the International Baccalaureate Program, Tanner has a gift for connecting ideas across subjects, from philosophy and literature to music and science. His passion was on full display in his IB Extended Essay, where he explored the deeper meanings behind Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Last summer, he continued to grow as a researcher and leader through the Thrive Scholars program at USC. Tanner is exploring careers in life sciences and academia.