Opening Doors: James Dorr Named 2026 Gates Scholar

This May, James Dorr graduated as a member of Long Trail School’s milestone 50th graduating class. During his time at Long Trail, James made a lasting impact on our community, not only as a leader on the soccer field, but also as a Student Ambassador, talented musician, and classmate who embraced every opportunity to learn, lead, and serve. His journey reflects Long Trail’s core values that we strive to cultivate in every student: integrity, openness, kindness, stewardship, and responsibility.

This fall, James will begin an exciting new chapter at Middlebury College as a member of the Class of 2030—and as a 2026 Gates Scholar, one of just 750 students selected from a highly competitive pool of 1,600 applicants nationwide to receive one of the country’s most prestigious and transformative college scholarships. For James, the honor represents far more than academic recognition; it is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to serving others.

Established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Gates Scholarship recognizes exceptional student leaders from across the United States. Designed to remove financial barriers to higher education, the scholarship covers the full cost of attendance not already met by other financial aid, allowing recipients to focus on learning, leadership, and making a meaningful impact. Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, resilience, service, leadership, and character—qualities that the Long Trail School community has witnessed in James throughout his years as a student.

The significance of the award became even more meaningful this June when James traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute. There, he joined fellow scholars from across the country for leadership development, mentorship, and community-building, forming connections that will continue well beyond the program.

“Being named a 2026 Gates Scholar has eliminated any financial barriers to college, providing a launchpad for my future,” James shared. “Through The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, I received invaluable mentorship, strengthened my leadership abilities, and built lasting connections within an extraordinary network of ambitious young leaders. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has given me to pursue my academic and professional aspirations.”

Reflecting on his Long Trail experience, James credits the school’s faculty, rigorous academics, and leadership opportunities with preparing him to compete for one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships.

“Long Trail School’s exceptional faculty and staff, rigorous yet holistic IB curriculum, and countless leadership opportunities were essential to my preparation to compete for and earn this award.”

James’s remarkable achievement reflects what is possible when talent, determination, and opportunity come together. As he begins his journey at Middlebury College, he carries with him the support of his family, teachers, classmates, and the entire Long Trail School community.

Congratulations, James, on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment and look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the years ahead.