SLHS senior named school’s first Flinn Scholarship recipient

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Mae Gomez, a San Luis High School senior (Class of 2026), is one of the recipients of the Flinn Scholarship, making her the school's first students to receive the scholarship.

YUHSD says 20 students were selected "from more than 1,150 applicants" across Arizona, making the scholarship one of the state's most competitive.

"Receiving the Flinn Scholarship is a major milestone in my educational journey," Gomez said. "Being the first student from [SLHS] to receive this honor carries a deep sense of responsibility, driving me to set a path for those who follow. With this financial freedom, I can focus entirely on my studies and ensure that my journey helps clear the way for the next generation of students from my community."

YUHSD also says scholarship applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA, rank in the top 5% of their graduating class, and "participate and demonstrate leadership in a variety of extracurricular activities."

"Mae's selection as the first Flinn Scholar in San Luis High School history is a historic achievement, not only for her, but for the entire community," said Cesar Castillo, Director of Counseling at SLHS. "It demonstrates that students from San Luis can compete with and succeed alongside the highest-achieving students in Arizona, regardless of geography or background. Her accomplishment will inspire future generations of students to pursue ambitious goals and believe that opportunities like the Flinn Scholarship are within their reach."

Gomez says she plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Arizona, starting in the fall.

To learn more about the scholarship, read the press release below.