Three extraordinary students from the Concept Schools network have earned one of the highest academic honors possible: admission to Harvard University.
Murllin Bender from Gateway Science Academy Flyer and Jonathan Manzo and Miguel Chora from Chicago Math and Science Academy are bound for Cambridge this fall, carrying with them the pride and support of the entire Concept Schools community.
These acceptances are more than personal milestones—they are proof of what’s possible when hard work and opportunity align.
For Jonathan Manzo, college acceptance letters weren’t just celebratory — they were historic. This year, the CMSA senior received admission to every Ivy League school, mirroring the incredible achievement of his older brother Alcides, who accomplished the same feat just one year earlier. Alcides now attends MIT, and the two will be reunited in Massachusetts.
Reflecting on his journey, Jonathan credited his school and his peers for his success.
"CMSA as a community has really helped me," he said. "The school and all of my friends have always motivated me to work hard and they all take pleasure in me trying to get into all of these elite schools. Plus my teachers being super nice and helping me all of the time makes it easier to show up to school every day."
Bender’s journey to Harvard began over a decade ago when he first stepped foot into Gateway Science Academy as a young student. He stayed with GSA through every grade level, emerging as a passionate leader, creative mind and academic standout.
A recognized voice on the morning announcements and his award-winning robotics team, Bender also represented GSA during his time in Brazil through the Youth Ambassadors Program and served as historian of the TRI-M Music Honor Society, a role that blended his talents in the arts and public service.
Now, Bender is set to begin a new chapter at Harvard—not only as a student but as a symbol of what dedication and community support can achieve.
Congratulations to all three students on this incredible achievement!
