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by doing that, I built a resume that was competitive for an Ivy League school. So I would just say, you know, just take your interest and work hard in that and push yourself in that area and then have the courage to one day step out and apply to a school or maybe a job or enlist. I have some buddies that enlisted — went to the or applied for the Naval Academy, which is super competitive. Just put yourself out there for that and just be optimistic about that, but don't try to be someone you're not. Don't try to fit the mold for the Ivy League students – I don’t think that’s what the Ivy Leagues want. They want someone unique; they want someone with their own passions and desires.”

Gabbard stated that he hoped that he and his classmate Kingston Ryals’ acceptance into Ivy League schools inspired future Vidalia High School graduates to know that anything is possible.

“I just hope that people are encouraged. And maybe, you know, Kingston and I are an encouragement for more people from Vidalia and the surrounding areas to put themselves out there and apply to these Ivy League schools, because they're looking for students in the rural areas like us,” he emphasized. “There’s a need and desire for students, like Kingston and me, for the upcoming classes to go to these Ivy League schools and share our perspectives and experiences of Small Town Georgia. I think people have the capability – you just have to take the risk and the chance. The risk is worth the payoff.”

Gabbard will begin attending classes at Dartmouth College this upcoming fall, and looks forward to the many opportunities to come through this new adventure.