STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SENIOR EARNS PRESTIGIOUS
POSSE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
By Bradley Serton ’ 95
From an early age , senior Maxwell Gonzalez has been earmarked for great things . In fact , his great grandmother ’ s nickname for him has always been “ El General ”. She saw strength and leadership in Max and made a point to call it out whenever he was in her presence . Being called “ El General ” made an impact on Max . It has driven him to find ways to lead both inside and outside of the classroom . It led him on a path to being named a Posse Scholar with a full scholarship to Franklin and Marshall College .
The Posse Foundation identifies , recruits , and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential . Early last year , Maxwell ’ s college counselor , Ms . Erica Keough , presented the opportunity to him . He and his family leapt at the chance . “ I spoke with my parents and we felt that the Posse Foundation would help me hone my leadership skills and send me out into the world to make a difference .” said Gonzalez . The same could be said for his experience at Fordham Prep .
During his four year experience at the Prep , Maxwell has taken part in both group and individual service projects . They have clearly affected the way he looks at the world and his place in it . He said , “ Service is a big part of who I am because . My experience here at Fordham Prep taught
8 RAMVIEW me to put others before myself and honor God with my efforts .” Successful both in the classroom and on the baseball diamond , Gonzalez ’ s biggest takeaway from his four years at Rose Hill is the idea that he can change the world .
Maxwell feels very strongly about the Fordham Prep experience which is grounded in Faith , Scholarship , and Service . He feels that it was this belief that helped secure Maxwell ’ s participation in the Posse program . As a leader with dedication to his education and interest in working with others , Maxwell was a perfect fit .
The full scholarship to Franklin and Marshall was made sweeter as it is the alma mater of Ms . Keough , the counselor who nominated him for the program .
Maxwell aspires to be a sports psychologist . Gonzalez says that in this field he will “ show I am not a follower . I will bring leadership to craft new and innovative methods and open my own practice . I am going to stand out because I will make sure to stand on my fundamental principles .”
The principles that Maxwell will stand on will not only include Fordham Prep ’ s Faith , Scholarship , and Service but also something a bit more personal . They will include those of a great grandmother who
“ I am not a follower . I will bring leadership to craft new and innovative methods and open my own practice . I am going to stand out because I will make sure to stand on my fundamental principles .”
has always motivated and inspired him . Gonzalez said , “ She always reminded me of how strong I am and I plan on taking that with me in my career and beyond .”
Looks like Maxwell ’ s great grandmother is very good at picking nicknames . Her “ El General ” has lived up to her lofty expectations at Fordham Prep . There is no doubt that he will continue to do so at Franklin and Marshall .
For more about the Prep ’ s College Counseling program visit fordhamprep . org / campus-life / college-counseling . For more about the Posse Foundation visit their website at possefoundation . org .