LYNWOOD, CA – Lynwood High School senior Isaias Perez Magana has been selected as a 2026 Posse Foundation Scholar, earning a full-tuition scholarship to attend Middlebury University in Vermont in fall 2026 and continuing a family legacy that began more than a decade ago.

Magana’s aunt, Lynwood High graduate Evelyn Salinas, received a Posse Scholarship in 2015 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Now a solutions engineer in the tech and services industry, Salinas nominated Magana for the prestigious scholarship and encouraged both him and his brother Isaac – a 2025 Posse finalist – to pursue the same opportunity.

“The Posse Foundation has meant so much to my family,” said Magana, who boasts a 4.4 GPA and serves as a Link Crew leader. “My parents were right there when I found out I won, and their support has been incredible.”

The Posse Foundation awards full-tuition scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and strong potential to succeed in college. Lynwood High chemistry teacher and Link Crew advisor Maelanie Galima supported Magana throughout the rigorous selection process.

“Isaias is so deserving of the Posse scholarship. His impact on campus is felt in so many ways,” Galima said. “From the moment Isaias joined Link Crew, he showed a genuine commitment to service, mentorship and community – a commitment that has only deepened over time. Isaias is guided by purpose, empathy and integrity.”

Magana serves as president of the school’s National Honor Society, maintains a full schedule of Advanced Placement classes, competes on the tennis team and volunteers at St. Francis Medical Center and the Los Angeles Mission, logging 150 volunteer hours at each location. He plans to major in biology at Middlebury and is considering medical school.

“What I like about Middlebury is it’s a small school where I will have better access to professors and be able to engage with them frequently,” Magana said. “With aspirations of attending medical school, I hope to foster close relationships with professors who can provide mentorship and broaden my understanding of the field through specialized opportunities.”

Magana was already familiar with the scholarship’s rigorous interview process after watching his brother navigate it the year prior. Following the final round, he was invited to a 9 p.m. Zoom meeting where members of the selection panel surprised him with the news that he had been selected as a Posse Scholar.

“Isaias is one of many Lynwood Unified students and alumni who exemplify the opportunities and high-quality education our District has provided to generations of Lynwood students,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “His success reflects our commitment to preparing students for college, careers and meaningful futures.”

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POSSESCHOLARSHIP1: Lynwood High School (LHS) senior Isaias Perez Magana is continuing his family legacy by being named a 2026 Posse Foundation Scholar, awarding him with a full-tuition scholarship to attend Middlebury University in Vermont in fall 2026.