Cibola student wins prestigious Flinn scholarship
The Flinn Foundation has recently named Cibola High School senior Edgar Melendrez Alvarado a Flinn Scholar.
Melendrez plans to attend the University of Arizona this fall.
“The Flinn Scholarship means more than just a full-ride to an in-state university,” Melendrez said. “This scholarship is an investment in my future and my community’s future where I hope to return and pay it forward. I look forward to the many opportunities the Flinn Scholarship provides such as study abroad, internships, and the connections with new people. I know this experience will be once in a lifetime.”
The Cibola High School senior is currently ranked first in grade point average for the Cibola senior class. Melendrez also simultaneously attended classes at Arizona Western College as a full-time student. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Political Science.
“Edgar is humble, lighthearted, and mature. Most importantly, he is an extremely unpretentious young man,” Cibola Guidance Counselor Teresa Davis said. “Over the last two years, Edgar has been deeply impressive to me. He is one of the most focused, driven, and gifted student with whom I have been in contact. He has clearly defined ambitions and an attitude that will ensure he makes full use of his boundless potential.
“In my 17 years as a counselor, Edgar is the first student I have known who will graduate from high school while simultaneously earning an Associate’s Degree in Political Science. Edgar has been taking full-time classes at our local community college, Arizona Western College while being enrolled full-time at Cibola High School. Edgar Melendrez amazes me every day. I am honored to play a role in this young man’s life. He will make a difference in this world.”
According to the foundation’s website, the Flinn Scholarship Program offers an unparalleled package for undergraduate study at an Arizona public university for 20 of Arizona’s highest-achieving high school seniors each year. The merit-based scholarship program, now 32 classes strong, covers the cost of tuition, fees, room and board and at least two study-abroad experiences. The overall financial package is valued at more than $115,000.
Flinn Scholars, who attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona, also benefit from working with top faculty and researchers, meeting business and civic leaders in their field, and forming their own community and alumni network.
