Marist graduate wins prestigious Gates Scholarship

Sire Holloway was just 7 years old when he first picked up a video game controller and discovered a world of creativity, challenge and connection. Now, at 17, the Marist High School graduate from Chicago is on his way to turning that childhood passion into a career, and he’s doing it with the support of one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country.

Holloway has been named a recipient of The Gates Scholarship, a highly selective, full-ride scholarship awarded annually to only 300 minority high school seniors nationwide. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related expenses.

“Being awarded The Gates Scholarship means so much to me,” Holloway said. “It’s not just about the financial support — it’s also a huge recognition of my hard work and dedication. It gives me the chance to focus on my studies without worrying about how to pay for college. Plus, being part of a network of other scholars will give me support and resources to help me succeed. It really feels like a stepping stone toward achieving my dreams and making a positive impact in the world.”

This fall, Holloway will attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he plans to major in computer science. His ultimate ambition is to become a creative director at a major video game company, where he can merge his passion for technology and storytelling.

“I started playing video games at 7, and that’s when my love for them really took off,” he said. “I’ve always admired the hard work that goes into creating these games — from the graphics to the storytelling. The characters often feel so relatable, making it easy to connect with their journeys and struggles.”

A 2021 graduate of St. John De LaSalle School, Holloway chose Marist High School after being impressed by its state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot science wing, which includes labs for anatomy, forensics, environmental science, and even a planetarium. But what truly drew him in was the school’s welcoming community — one that he says played a key role in his success.

Over his four years at Marist, Holloway emerged as a quiet but powerful force on campus. He served as president of the Black Student Union, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and acted as a peer leader for younger students.

“From the time he was a freshman, Sire has had a maturity beyond his years,” said Mary Barry, a mathematics teacher at Marist who wrote Holloway’s scholarship recommendation. “Circumstances in his home life require Sire to have more responsibilities than most teens, and he has accepted those responsibilities graciously. Sire has distinguished himself as a leader in our school — he supports struggling freshmen, leads with humility, and treats everyone with deep respect.”

With the help of mentors like Barry and Marist faculty member Ms. Amato, who helped him refine his essays, Holloway advanced through the rigorous application process. “The

interview process stood out the most to me,” he said. “It was my first interview since eighth grade when I applied to Marist.”

The moment it all felt real came when he received the finalist email. “That was such an exciting moment and made me feel like all my hard work was paying off,” Holloway said.

He also credits his mother and Marist President Larry Tucker ‘79 for their encouragement and support along the way.

Choosing Howard, he said, felt like the natural next step. “Howard has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence,” Holloway said. “The Disney Storyteller Project also presents an incredible opportunity that could lead to a career at Disney, aligning perfectly with my personal and professional goals.”

As he prepares for the future, Holloway offers a message to students walking a similar path: “Don’t be afraid to chase your goals. Inch by inch is a cinch — take things step by step. Stay focused, work hard, and surround yourself with supportive people. And know that setbacks are part of the journey.”