Tucson’s 4 Flinn Scholars get $50K packages
by Mary Bustamante on May. 20, 2008, under Education, Local
Cai
Four high school seniors from Tucson have been named Flinn Scholars.
The students, who are required to attend one of Arizona’s three public universities, each receive undergraduate study packages valued at $50,000, not counting free tuition.
This year’s area winners are:
• Alice Cai, Catalina Foothills High School
• Matthew Hom, University High School
• David Ware, Salpointe Catholic High School
• Qian (Jason) Xu, Ironwood Ridge High School.
Xu is the first Flinn Scholar from Ironwood Ridge.
The four are among 20 students in the 23rd class of Flinn Scholars. All were honored at a dinner in Phoenix Saturday. At the event, each had the opportunity to recognize an influential educator.
“These remarkable students could have chosen to attend virtually any college or university in the nation, many with attractive scholarship offers,” John W. Murphy, Flinn Foundation president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Their commitment to study in Arizona illustrates the strength and reputation of our universities.
Murphy called the students’ academic credentials “impeccable,” and said “they are equally impressive outside the classroom in leadership roles within their schools and communities, and in their talents in the arts and athletics.”
More than 500 students applied for the Flinn, which is awarded for outstanding academic performance, achievement and leadership in extracurricular activities and community or school service.
The Flinn package includes
• A three-week intensive seminar in Eastern Europe
• At least one additional study/travel experience abroad or in the United States
• Mentoring by a university faculty member in the student’s field of study
• Invitations to cultural events and activities designed to introduce the student to leaders in various fields
• Opportunities to participate with university faculty in research programs and professional meetings
To retain the scholarship throughout the four undergraduate years, the students must maintain a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average and participate in campus or community activities.
This class of Flinn Scholars averaged scores of 1,458 of a possible 1,600 on the Scholastic Assessment Test, and 32 of a possible 36 on the American College Test.
The program is operated by the Flinn Foundation Scholarship Program LLC and supported by the private, nonprofit Flinn Foundation.
Hom
Ware
Xu
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HONORED EDUCATORS
Each Flinn Scholar got to recognize an influential educator. Here are the ones from Tucson:
Lois J. Blondeau, AP Physics, University High
Scholar: Matthew Hom
Joe Neilson, Spanish, Salpointe Catholic High
Scholar: David Ware
Leyda O. Vakarelov
Calculus, Catalina Foothills High, Scholar: Alice Cai
Susan K. Williams, AP English Literature, Ironwood Ridge High
Scholar: Qian (Jason) Xu
