Cross High School student awarded prestigious Gates Scholarship

CROSS, S.C. (WCBD) – A Cross High School senior was recently selected to receive the prestigious Gates Scholarship, which is awarded to outstanding students from across the nation.

Karmello Jones is headed to the University of South Carolina in the fall, and thanks to the scholarship, the full cost of his attendance is covered.

He was one of 750 picked from over 48,000 applicants.

“When you put in the hard work, when you put in the discipline, and you mix it with just a tiny bit of talent, you can get magical things – and that’s not just for me, that’s for everybody,” he told school district officials after receiving the honor.

High school staff believe Jones is the first Gates Scholar in the school’s history, but Jones hopes the achievement will inspire more Cross recipients in the future.

Over the course of his high school career, Jones has racked up accolades while competing on the school’s football, track, soccer, and wrestling teams. He also ranked among the top five for the class of 2025.

As for how the scholarship came about, it all started when Principal Tiffany Brown encouraged him to apply. He stayed committed to the application process which includes four steps, paperwork submissions and writing three essays.

Jones got the news in April that his hard work and tenacity had paid off.

“I woke up screaming at the top of my lungs,” he told the district. “I was ecstatic knowing that I got something that I had worked hard for.”

Once he starts at South Carolina, Jones plans to double major in sports management and science. His ultimate goal is to work as a sports manager or agent in the major leagues.