Photos courtesy of Peoria Unified School District
The Flinn Foundation announced 80 semifinalists for the Flinn Scholarship, three of which all hail from Ironwood High School located in the Peoria Unified School District. PUSD proudly celebrates this achievement for seniors Mikah Dyer, Vincent Lageschulte, and Sophia Le.
The Flinn Scholarship is among the most coveted in the state of Arizona, valued at over $130,000. This scholarship funds tuition, housing, and meals at a public university in Arizona and two experiences to study abroad.
“These students are incredible. They are all unique individuals but share a handful of common characteristics. They work extremely hard, are tremendously smart and are leaders on our campus,” says Ironwood Principal Russell Dunham. The Flinn Scholarship is awarded not just based on academic achievement; it recognizes students from all walks of life and educational interests. Merit and willingness to be a changemaker in the world are the main deciding factors for Flinn Scholars.
Mikah Dyer will attend Arizona State University at the West Valley Campus majoring in secondary education. Dyer is the youth liaison for the Peoria City Council. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, demonstrating academic excellence and leadership qualities. He is wholeheartedly dedicated to making a positive impact in his immediate community.
Vincent Lageschulte hopes to attend Arizona State University or the University of Arizona to study computer science. He is especially interested in the evolving fields of AI, data science, and cyber security. Lageschulte was also recognized in the fall for earning a perfect score across all subject areas on the ACT and is a College Board National Merit Semifinalist.
Sophia Le plans to attend the University of Arizona to major in care, health, and society. She is involved with the Young Diplomats Program with Global Ties Arizona, which sparked her dream to study abroad through the Flinn Scholarship.
In the coming months, the 80 semifinalists will be narrowed down to 40 finalists. From there, approximately 20 Flinn Scholarship winners are chosen. Flinn Scholars are accepted into the tight-knit network of alumni which can propel them to success and prepare them to be ambassadors for positive outcomes in society.
