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Updated: June 14, 2025 @ 2:51 am
The Desert Financial Foundation recently awarded 10 West Valley seniors scholarships.
The Desert Financial Foundation recently awarded 10 West Valley seniors scholarships.
Desert Financial Foundation recently awarded 62 Arizona students with college scholarships totaling $198,000.
The students, who were celebrated at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, were selected for their commitment to volunteerism, determination to continue their education and dedication to building better futures.
The scholarship program includes Community Service Scholarships for high school seniors who volunteer in their communities, Adult Learners Scholarships for adults ages 25 or older who are pursuing certificates or degrees and Passion to Help Scholarships for dependents of the Desert Financial team members who give back to their communities through volunteerism. Nearly 200 Arizona students applied.
Since launching the scholarship program in 2015, Desert Financial Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million to deserving students who are furthering their education to build brighter futures.
“We believe education is a powerful tool for improving financial wellness,” said Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial Foundation vice-chair. “These scholarships are just one way we invest in people who are working hard to better their lives, families and communities.”
Twenty-six high school seniors were awarded a total of $84,000 in Community Service Scholarships. Each student completed at least 50 hours of community service in 2024, maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrated financial need and is enrolled in an Arizona college or university for Fall 2025.
“My experience volunteering has made me a more empathetic, creative and attentive person, something which will carry over to all aspects of my future,” said Andrew Clough, who volunteered more than 350 hours in 2024 at Billy’s Place. An organization dedicated to grief support for children and families, that became near and dear to him after the tragic loss of his father in 2011.
“I enjoy working with the younger kids the most as they are incredibly full of energy.”
Together, the 2025 Community Service Scholarship recipients completed more than 4,500 hours of volunteer service last year.
Two of three standout students were awarded $5,000 scholarships:
• Andrew Clough, from Highland Prep in Surprise
• Tristan St. Germain from Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise
The remaining 23 recipients received $3,000 scholarships each. Here are the West Valley representatives:
• Nubia Mexicano Melek of Glendale received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. Melek is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Positive Psychology at Arizona State University.
• Alyssa Herrera of Glendale received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. The Deer Valley High School senior will attend University of Arizona in the fall.
• Ashlynn Jensen of Glendale received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. The Deer Valley High School senior will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall.
• Francisco Lagarda Duarte of Peoria received a $5,000 adult learner scholarship. This father of two is studying to earn his Airframe and Powerplant license from the Aviation Institute of Maintenance and a degree in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University.
• Kayla Brown of Avondale received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. She is studying to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
• Renee Gomez of Avondale received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. Gomez is completing a master’s degree in social work.
• Richard Works of Buckeye received a $3,000 adult learner scholarship. Works is studying to become a counselor at South Mountain Community College.
• Julia Solano of Tolleson received a $3,000 Community Service Scholarship. The Tolleson High School senior will attend Arizona State University in the fall.
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