Arthur Acuna

Bishop Gorman High School senior Arthur Acuna attributes his goal-oriented, high-achieving nature to his “single-minded determination to keep putting one foot in front of the other, despite challenges.” He fuels this forward momentum with a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done and a positive mindset, whether he’s working on an Eagle Scout project, powering through a difficult English paper, or tackling a grueling hike at the Grand Canyon. Some have called him “stubborn”, he prefers “tenacious”; either way, he’s capitalizing on his strengths to make his education and career dreams come true, elevating Arthur Acuna to– A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.15

Clubs/Community Service:

• -National Honor Society (NHS)–English, Science & French, 2017-2019
• -Math Club, 2016-2017
• -Mu Alpha Theta, 2017-2019
• -Best Buddies, 2015-2018
• -Speech and Debate, 2015-2016
• -Robotics Club, 2015-2019
• -Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, 2016-2019
• -Best Buddies, 2015-2018
• -Alzheimer’s Association, 2015-2018
• -Arthritis Foundation, 2015-2018
• -Boy Scouts of America, 2006-2019

Scholarships/Awards:

• -QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship to Princeton University, 2019
• -Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation Scholarship Semifinalist, 2018
• -S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate, 2019
• -Coolidge Senator, 2018
• -National Merit Semifinalist, 2018-2019
• -VEX Robotics “Judges’ Award”, 2018-2019
• -AP Scholar with Distinction, 2018
• -Le Grand Concours Silver Medal, 2016-2018
• -Le Grand Concours Bronze Medal, 2015-2016
• -Scholastic Art and Writing Award–Gold Key Winner, 2018-2019
• -BGHS Student of the Year Academic Plaque, 2015-2018
• -Eagle Scout Rank, 2016

What interests you about robotics? “Robotics involves aspects of computer science, physics, human anatomy, biology, and even math—all subjects that I enjoy. Working on robots can be extremely exciting, challenging, and frustrating at the same time. It involves a tedious process of discovery and experimentation, trial and error. Its greatest reward is, of course, getting the cursed thing do what it’s supposed to do and then some.”

Do you see engineering in your future? “I want to pursue engineering, but I’m not sure what branch. At the moment, I’m fascinated by biochemical and electrical engineering. Regardless of what path I choose, I want to innovate to improve another’s quality of life, whether it’s through medicinal resources, prosthetic limb technology or artificial intelligence.”

Your Eagle Scout designation has been over a decade in the making. What have you gained from the journey? “Being a member of Boy Scout Troop 143 has given me unique service opportunities at a very young age. Looking back, I’m astonished that I was able to be part of so many worthwhile projects. It has shaped me into a person able to contribute to his school, parish and community.”

Have you had to rely on anyone for support to get through the tough times? “I’ve been very lucky to be part of a group of friends who not only challenge me to do well academically but also provide the encouragement I need during times of extreme pressure and heavy workload. We’ve organized a casual support group for anyone who needed help with homework, or just wanted to take a break, play video games, and chat. For me, this group of reliable friends absolutely made the difference between surviving and thriving in high school.”