The Central Arizona College Foundation held its “Night of Stars” Friday night to celebrate the students benefiting from scholarships offered by the two-year college’s 501(c)(3) wing.
The crowd at Elements Event Center heard from two students who had received scholarships and how it impacted their higher education.
“Not only have I been able to attend college without having to worry about my tuition, I’ve also had amazing professors that were patient with me,” said Diamond Todman.
The San Tan campus student was just elected the president of the Campus Activities Board.
“ I’ve always wanted to be a part of the student government, but in high school I wasn’t able to. Now, being here, I can actually share my ideas and thoughts,” said Todman.
Others are using the Pinal Promise scholarship as a springboard for other higher education opportunities.
“ It was from the Pinal Promise that I learned the true pursuit of knowledge lies not in where you begin, but in how you embrace the journey,” said Maricopa campus student Kenzie Allen, a resident of The Villages at Rancho El Dorado. “ Now as I finish up my time at CAC and prepare to transfer, I carry not just credit hours, but a profound sense of gratitude for the community that shaped me.”
Allen told the audience that she was transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree and had just accepted a full ride scholarship from the Arizona Board of Regents to continue her education.
“The Pinal Promise changed my life and made my dreams come true,” said Allen.
The scholarship started more than 20 years ago and helps students pay for tuition and living expenses. Tuition costs for the community college are $14,243, according to the Central Arizona College calculator.
The scholarship fund is a partnership of CAC, the CACF and Pinal County School Districts. It is an initiative to help Pinal County high school students graduate and give them two years of in-state tuition to Central Arizona College.
Maricopa has the greatest number of high school students of any city or town in the county.
The scholarship requires students live and graduate high school in Pinal County and complete 20 hours of community service by the end of their high school senior year or freshman year at CAC.
“You started [the Pinal Promise] and so many kids have gone through CAC debt free,” CAC Foundation Executive Director Craig Kurtz told college leaders at the fundraiser. “We can’t thank you enough.”
The annual benefit featured comedian Don McMillan, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, wine pull, mystery bags and dinner. Proceeds go to funding the scholarships.
CORRECTION: This story originally stated a student received a Fulbright scholarship. It was updated to accurately quote the student, who said she received a full ride scholarship.
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