Northern Arizona University welcomes 20 Dorrance Scholarship recipients to the campus this fall to join the class of 2027.
The Dorrance Foundation for Education awarded 60 first-generation Arizona high school seniors the scholarship award and program package worth more than $100,000 over four years. Now in its 24th year, the Dorrance family’s support of this program exceeds $60 million.
“This group of talented young leaders joins a vibrant community of Dorrance Scholars and alumni,” said James Hensley, executive director of the Dorrance Foundation for Education. “Sustained by the gifts of our generous donors, over 650 students have received Dorrance Scholarships since 1999.”
The 20 scholars attending NAU are:
- Mia Avelar, Mohave High School, Bullhead City
- Karly Barnes, Lake Havasu High School
- Mariana Flores, Camelback High School, Phoenix
- Gavin Furi, Fountain Hills High School
- Jessalyn Garcia, Lake Havasu High School
- Ashley Gutierrez, McClintock High School, Mesa
- Max Harb, Mountain View High School, Mesa
- Marlee Hewlett, Yuma Catholic High School
- Miranda Lamadrid Miranda, Douglas High School
- Lizbette Orquiz, West Point High School, Phoenix
- Ashley Perez Jimenez, Metro Tech High School, Phoenix
- Wyatt Peterson, Northland Preparatory Academy, Flagstaff
- Daniella Quiroz, University High School, Tucson
- Jaylin Reed, Agua Fria High School, Youngtown
- Rylee Ressler, Mohave High School, Bullhead City
- Kristian Rice II, Westview High School, Avondale
- Ramona Smith, Valley Vista High School, Surprise
- Adriana Sparks, Greenway High School, Phoenix
- Conner Stickler, Flagstaff High School
- Samuel Walton, Desert Ridge High School, Mesa
“We are thrilled to welcome these 20 Dorrance Scholars to the Lumberjack family and look forward to their many contributions to our university,” said President José Luis Cruz Rivera. “We are grateful they have entrusted NAU to support them on their continuing educational journey and know they will accomplish great things for themselves and the communities they represent as Lumberjacks.”
The Dorrance Scholarship is a needs-based award that aims to instill college-going traditions in future generations of Arizona families, provide financial access and academic support for recipients and enhance college persistence through unique enrichment experiences. In addition to receiving financial assistance, Dorrance Scholars participate in a pre-college summer bridge program and a humanities summer program. They also have the opportunity for international study, travel and innovative entrepreneurship experience, as well as mentoring and tutoring.