McAllen High senior Gabriel Martinez, who helped raise nearly $100,000 for medical research and has studied cancer genetics, has been named a Coca-Cola Scholar. He is one of just 150 such students to earn this $20,000 scholarship in the nation.
The scholarship recipients are referred to as “incredible young people who are creating positive change in their communities and around the world,” according to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website.
Martinez is a cancer genetics researcher and community advocate, according to his published bio. He serves as Regional Director for the National Hispanic Institute, Student Body President, Texas Boys State dual delegate, and a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar.
Addressing the sharp rise in student homelessness, graduation barriers, and food anxiety, he co-founded Meaningful Meals, the Stable Space Project, and the Giving Greenhouse, an eco-friendly student-led food system. He founded smARTeens, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) outreach program for underrepresented youth, teaching bioARTistry modules he created that bring science concepts to life. He also helped raise $99,000 for medical research and plans to pursue an MD-PhD studying biochemistry and public health.
According to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website, over the last 25 years, Coca-Cola Scholars have become national, state and local government staff (700+ scholars), non-profit founders, board members and presidents (300+), business entrepreneurs (175+), Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright Scholars (100+), college administrators (30+) and elected government officials (7+).
About McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD is a 2025 winner of the state’s highest rating of an “A” grade and a 2025 winner of the state’s Postsecondary Readiness Distinction. The district is home to 31 campuses and approximately 19,500 students. To learn more about McAllen ISD’s schools and programs, contact Student Outreach at 956-687-MISD (6473).