2023 Hamilton Scholar Eduardo Guerrero Gaytan – from Norwalk, CA – is a proud Mexican-American. As a first-generation student, Eduardo is motivated to make his family proud while using his education to help his community; to him, education is the key to advancing in life – Eduardo wants to use his knowledge to help others do the same.

Even though he’s just started his journey, Eduardo has achieved remarkable feats. From a young age, taking college-level classes, Eduardo found that his favorite subject was Chicano Studies because it spoke to his roots. In both sophomore and junior year, he was recognized as one of the top 20 students in his generation and thus was accepted into the Norwalk Summer Youth Program. Additionally, Eduardo plays on the varsity tennis team, participates in his school’s First Aid Club, and has raised funds for Toys for Tots, food drives, and blood drives.

Of note, is Eduardo's key participation in planning the annual Norwalk Autism Awareness Fair and Norwalk Eyesight Event; both aligned with his desire to help his community, educate others, and provide medical assistance where needed.

Eduardo draws inspiration from his family: his mother, Rossy, taught him the value of hard work and determination; his uncle, Edgar, taught him self-discipline and the qualities of leadership; and his grandmother, Nana Rosa, who instilled in him kindness and a caring nature to help others. These role models – his family – have played a significant role in shaping Eduardo into the future leader he is becoming. His personal and academic achievements – his passion for helping his community – all are a reflection of his values, instilled in him by his family.

“No man can win every battle,” Spider-Man, Eduardo's favorite superhero, said. “But no man should fall without a struggle."

To Eduardo, this quote reflects his dedication to helping those in need and his willingness to take on challenges in pursuit of change in his community.