It’s always fun to open a package when you’re expecting something special to arrive, and even more so when you don’t know what’s inside. But not much can compare to the surprise that was waiting for North High School senior Alexander Alvarado-Barahona when he opened the Amazon box addressed to him.

“That makes me so happy, wow!” Alex says as he taps excitedly on the open box in the video captured by Central Academy science teacher Scott  Schoneberg. “God almighty, this sets up so many things I wanted to happen.”

“I can’t think of a more perfect guy to get it!” Schoneberg says off camera.

The bright orange paper inside announces Alex is one of 100 students across the country who will receive the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship of $40,000 over four years for his ongoing education at Stanford University, along with a guaranteed paid internship offer at Amazon after his freshman year of college.

“I am extremely relieved and excited,” he said. “Interning at Amazon, which is a part of the scholarship, was an opportunity I highly desired. Seeing the award made me extremely optimistic for the next four years, and I want to take full advantage of the opportunity.”

Schoneberg says he was excited to capture Alex’s reaction, but not surprised he received the award.

“Alex has always had a plan for himself,” he said. “He always worked to be his very best. It has been an honor to teach and know Alex. He is a fantastic individual”

Amazon wasn’t short on praise either.

“Alexander is a hardworking and dedicated student who is active in the school’s computer science community,” said the Amazon release. “He has participated in many math modeling competitions throughout his high school career and has a passion for applying his coding skills to problem solving some of the world’s biggest issues and making a positive impact on society.”

According to the Amazon release, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2014 to 2024, the market for computer science professionals will grow twice as fast as the rest of the labor market. Alex said he’s planning to begin pursuing a computer science degree.

“I would like to thank my parents who have been super supportive of me over the years,” he said. “They have pushed me to be responsible and diligent, in school and out, which has helped me achieve success in my academic career.”

Sounds like Alex Alvarado-Barahona has a great support team behind him as he starts his new adventure this fall.