The Yuma Union High School District has announced this year's Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship recipients.
Since 2019, the Helios Education Foundation has annually partnered with YUHSD to provide six scholarships — one for each YUHSD school. The program is part of a more than $2.6 million investment over 10 years from Helios. This year marks eight out of those 10 years, providing students with scholarships to pursue four-year degrees.
The Ready Now Yuma scholarship is worth up to $15,000 per year and is renewable for up to three additional years.
“This scholarship means so much more to me than just financial support, it gives me the opportunity to pursue my education without having to worry about tuition, something I never even imagined could be a real possibility for me,” said Cibola High School senior Adamariz Fernandez, who will attend the University of Arizona to study nursing.
“Because of this opportunity, I can focus on my education and future, pursuing a career that I’ve always dreamt about. Earning this scholarship shows me that my hard work has truly paid off and reflects how much I’ve grown over these past few years. This means so much more than a scholarship to me, it’s an opportunity shaping my future.”
Fernandez and her fellow recipients were surprised at school by their counselors and principals with oversized checks and balloons.
A video compilation of the Ready Now Yuma scholarship surprises. Source: Yuma Union High School District
Ready Now Yuma Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors with financial need who are attending an accredited post-secondary institution full-time to pursue a four-year degree. Students are able to renew the scholarship by remaining in good academic standing.
“Through the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship, we are investing in students whose hard work, resilience and determination have led them to this point,” said Paul J. Luna, president and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “These students have already shown what’s possible when young people are surrounded by strong support systems and high expectations. We are proud to help remove financial barriers so they can continue pursuing their education and career goals.”
According to a release from YUHSD, 89 qualified applicants from the Class of 2026 were considered by Helios and the Arizona Community Foundation for the scholarships.
Here are this year’s recipients, their high school, and which institution they plan to attend:
- Adamariz Fernandez, Cibola High School, University of Arizona
- Joshua Olan Lopez, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University
- Genesis Cardenas, Kofa High School, Oregon Institute of Technology
- Valeria Gutierrez, San Luis High School, University of Arizona
- Evolhet Bonillas Valtierra, Vista High School, Northern Arizona University—Yuma
- Kimberly Flores, Yuma High School, Arizona State University
These students are among the more than 2,500 walking the line at YUHSD's graduation ceremonies this week.
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Reporting for this article is supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation.
