2023 Hamilton Scholar Gabriel Betancourt from National City, CA is a devoted and hardworking high schooler only just beginning his future success towards medicine. Always in search of new ways to improve and strengthen his learning potential, Gabriel prides himself in accomplishing the simplicity of social skills that have made him a better person and stranger. Gabriel expresses his love for family, and is an animal lover who helps local cats that need care for and nurturing.

As a transgender male, Gabriel carefully constructs and edits his choices in-light of his struggle to be accepted in society; He’s keenly aware that acceptance doesn’t automatically place one at the same starting point with the same chances as anyone else. Inspired by the desire to foster safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, Gabriel participated in a WIT (“Whatever It Takes”) Hackathon to “solve your city's most significant problems”. Alongside other passionate peers, Gabriel pitched his idea to address the struggle LGBTQ+ minorities face in finding community and received support from two sponsors who supported his idea.

At school, Gabriel devotes his time to several clubs: Dreamers manages a safe place for students with families struggling with American citizenship, and a multicultural club that embraces and spreads awareness of cultures through festivals. Outside school, Gabriel plays varsity soccer – and is coming up on his fourth year now – and is competing for varsity cross-country.

Gabriel’s dream, in light of the challenges he’s faced, is to become a surgeon. “A surgeon saved my life,” Gabriel said, having had a major surgery not too long ago. “I may never repay that – I’ll never forget my gratitude to them – and now I want to save people like how they saved me.”