SCHOLARSHIP

“These students worked extremely hard and are deserving of this scholarship,” said Grace Smith Kaus, director of postsecondary success initiatives for Helios Education Foundation. “We are excited for the bright future that’s ahead for them.”

A video compilation of the surprises can be viewed on YUHSD’S Youtube channel at https://bit.ly/ Rnyscholars2023.

“It means a lot because my family struggles a lot with money,” said San Luis High School senior Dana Valdenebro, who plans to study computer science at the University of Arizona next year. “So, I was applying to all of the scholarships I could to get the

money to go to a university and not have a lot of debt. I’m really happy. I feel relieved. I’m shaking right now because I didn’t expect it.”

According to YUHSD, the Ready Now Yuma Scholars program supports seniors with financial need attending an accredited post-secondary institution and pursuing any field of study. Students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university and pursuing a four-year degree. The scholarship is renewable so long as students remain in good standing and maintain the required GPA.

More than 80 qualified applicants were considered by Helios and the Arizona Community Foundation for the big selection.

“I’m blessed,” said Yuma High School senior Raymond Nunez,

who’ll attend Northern Arizona University in the fall. “I plan to major in civil engineering and come back and help out the city with new and improved infrastructure.”

This year’s recipients, their graduating high school and what college or university they plan to attend are as follows:

• Taylor Rice, Cibola High School, Northern Arizona University

• Trinity Guiden, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University

• Kristy Mojardin, Kofa High School, Arizona State University

• Dana Valdenebro, San Luis High School, University of Arizona

• Jacey Leon, Vista High School, Northern Arizona University

• Raymond Nunez, Yuma High School, Northern Arizona University