Righetti High School senior Kush Patel was recently selected as a Gates Scholar, making him one of 300 out of more than 28,700 applicants nationwide.

Patel will receive the Gates Scholarship to pay for the funding cost of attendance that is not covered by financial aid. The school’s salutatorian, who plans to attend Brown University and major in neuroscience, ranks in the top one percent of his class with a 4.6 GPA.

“I am extremely humbled and blessed to be in this position,’’ Patel said. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the Gates Foundation, my counselor, teachers, friends, and my wonderful family. I want to specially thank my grandfather in India. He wanted to pursue a college education when he was young but could not afford to do so. I thank the man above for letting me do what my grandfather could not. This scholarship in an investment in me and I promise to give back to my community."

Patel moved to the United States from India in 2014. English is not his first language.

Gates Scholars have mastered academic achievement and left indelible marks on their high school communities. Patel’s community service included Food Bank of Santa Maria, Marian Hospital, Desi Home Care (elderly), Scrutiny Non-Profit Surgical Camp in India, tutoring peers and other countless efforts. In addition to playing varsity golf and tennis, Patel was also a member of the Key Club, CSF President, Future Leaders of America and other organizations.

Patel’s school counselor Norma Hernandez couldn’t be prouder.

“It has been a pleasure working with Kush,’’ Hernandez said. “He has proven that hard work and dedication pay off and takes you closer to your goals.’’