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AUSTIN, Texas — Flipping through his 24 college admission letters, LBJ High School senior Gahmoto Malangalila was ecstatic to see that 22 of them were labeled with “Congratulations” at the top.
Even more surprising was the more than $1,000,000 in scholarships he received, earning him a nickname on campus: “Money Man Moto”.
“It was amazing,” Malangalila said. “I felt like I was on top of the world.”
But Malangalila’s peers and mentors said they weren’t surprised to hear this.
“I’m proud of him, I knew it was coming though,” said Ray Jackson, former LBJ graduate, who now works at the school and is one of Malangalila’s mentors. “He exemplifies everything the school was built on, the intelligence, the education the athleticism, being well-rounded.”
During his time at LBJ High School, Malangalila racked up a 4.35 GPA, played multiple sports and was involved in several clubs including basketball, tennis, golf, track, baseball, soccer and marching band.
He also participated in extracurriculars outside of school, like the Leadership Development Institute with Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity incorporated.
Malangalila decided he wanted to follow his sister’s footsteps after she received a full ride to college.
“I’ve always known that I didn’t want to have to pay for my education or be strapped with the financial burden that often comes with higher education,” Malangalila said.
After sorting through dozens of acceptance letters, Malangalila decided on attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was offered a full ride to study electrical engineering.
“I chose engineering because overall, long term, I want to help the planet and the people in it, and I believe technology is the best way to do that,” Malangalila said.
While he’s excited for the next journey, Jackson says everyone at LBJ High School will feel Malangalila’s absence.
“When you have this kind of young man leave, it leaves a void,” Jackson said. “I’m just proud to be a part of his life, and you know, be associated with Moto.”
Jackson said when he first met “Moto,” he was shy, but in his four years in high school, the senior has grown into somebody people look up to, who is always looking out for others. He even recalls Malangalila starting a snack business and donating the money to the basketball program and other campus departments.
Malangalila hopes his ambition can be an example to others, like his sister was to him.
“I just want to inspire students not only at LBJ, but Black and Brown kids across the country,” Malangalila said. “Anything is possible, really as long as they work hard and just take it day by day.”
As for what’s next after college for “Money Man Moto,” Jackson says the sky is the limit.
“The boy’s a genius,” Jackson said. “We’re all going to end working for him one day.”
Malangalila wants to thank his parents, his sister and all his mentors who have helped him through his high school career.
