By Leslie Fuentes
Public Communications
Kingwood Park High School Salutatorian David Gonzalez, who recently concluded his term as the Texas HOSA State President, will be attending Duke University this fall, where he plans to double major in Global Health and Biology, on a prestigious full-ride scholarship through the Duke University Scholars Program.
A key component of the University Scholars Program is a dedication to community service. Scholars work with underserved communities in North Carolina, including teaching in schools that serve underrepresented groups and volunteering in under-resourced hospitals.
“You create an impact as an undergraduate student, and I think that really encapsulates the idea of Duke University,” Gonzalez said. “At Duke, they’re very focused on how undergraduates can become involved to create actual sustainable solutions to change the world—and that’s what I want to do.”
As a University Scholar, he will join a small, selective group of students selected from around the world for their academic merit, leadership, and commitment to service. The program offers not only a merit-based full-ride scholarship but also an enrichment stipend to support research and travel abroad.
Gonzalez received full-ride scholarship offers from eight top universities across the country, including Harvard University, Georgetown University, Rice University, the University of North Carolina, the University of Michigan, and the Forty Acres Scholarship from the University of Texas at Austin. He was also accepted into Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education—a pathway that guarantees admission to medical school directly out of high school.
Gonzalez’s long-term goal is to become an emergency medical physician while also earning a master’s in public health to advocate for his patients. He hopes to one day serve as the U.S. Surgeon General.
To prepare for a future in healthcare, Gonzalez actively participated in Kingwood Park’s Health Sciences CTE program. He earned his patient care technician certification as a junior and will complete his emergency medical technician (EMT) certification this year.
Gonzalez has demonstrated his leadership through his involvement in HOSA. Over the past year, he served as the Texas HOSA State President, representing more than 40,000 members. He also held positions as Area 6 President and President of the Kingwood Park HOSA chapter.
During his time in HOSA, Gonzalez helped organize statewide leadership conferences, led fundraising initiatives for the National Marrow Donor Program, and supported top student competitors at the HOSA State Leadership Conference.
“The best leaders are those who are the biggest fans for everyone around them,” Gonzalez said. “Being in a leadership position requires you to cheer others on, build strong connections with your team, and help others shine in their own light.”