Sameer Sarwar, a 2022 Cedar Falls High School graduate, is the recipient of Wartburg College’s R.J. McElroy Minority Scholarship.

Sarwar, the son of Muhammad and Nasreen Sarwar, will major in biology with a premedicine preference and is also considering a major or minor in computer science.

“Sameer has a bright future ahead of him in whatever field he chooses to pursue,” wrote Meghan Lang, his Advanced Placement (AP) physics teacher. “From my interactions with Sameer, I have found him to be a hard worker, an excellent collaborative team member and a pleasant presence in my classroom.”

In addition to AP physics, Sameer took five other AP courses as well as four college-level courses at Hawkeye Community College, always with an eye on the future where he sees himself in medical school and then serving as a radiologist.

“I was looking at the University of Iowa, but my mom recommended Wartburg. I thought it would be too expensive, but with my scholarships and other financial aid I was able to cover the costs,” he said. “Now I can even save for medical school because I know that will be expensive. This is an opportunity to look forward toward the future and not just stay stuck in the past because of debt.”

As a member of the high school’s junior varsity tennis team, Coach Joshua Wilkinson said Sameer always gave his best.

“He has an infectious personality and a great smile that brings an amazing level of positivity to the team,” Wilkinson said. “He is a great teammate, as he wants to see others succeed around him as much as himself.”

In addition to his rigorous class schedule and participation on the tennis team, Sameer also volunteered at Allen Hospital and competed with the high school’s esports team for one year, which he plans to continue with Wartburg’s new team.

“I’m excited to get involved on campus, but I like still being close to home so I can help out with my family when I need to,” Sameer said, adding that it was his sister, Sairah, who inspired him to do his best in high school and dream big when looking at college opportunities.

McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster who died in 1965, made a provision in his will for the establishment of a trust fund, the proceeds of which were to be used for the educational benefit of deserving young people. Wartburg College annually partners with the R.J. McElroy Trust to award a full-tuition scholarship to students from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. Awards are renewable up to four years.