Mario Aleman, Prestigious Flinn Scholarship Finalist
Queen Creek High School (QCHS) senior Mario Aleman has achieved an incredible milestone by becoming a finalist for the highly competitive Flinn Scholarship. This prestigious award provides a full-ride scholarship to any of Arizona’s public universities—Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona (U of A), or Northern Arizona University (NAU). The scholarship not only covers tuition but also offers access to a network of high-achieving scholars, mentorship opportunities, and international study experiences. In December, Mario was named a semifinalist, moving forward to a series of interviews that will determine whether he earns a spot among the twenty Flinn Scholars in Arizona. While the final recipients won’t be announced until April, reaching this stage is already a remarkable achievement for Mario.
The journey to becoming a Flinn Scholar is rigorous, requiring students to navigate a multi-stage selection process. Mario began by submitting an extensive application detailing his academic history, extracurricular involvement, and standardized test scores. He also wrote essays to share his personal story and achievements.
Mario first learned about the scholarship through QCHS’s College and Career Center. His counselor, Mrs. Martin, recognized his potential and encouraged him to apply. Initially hesitant, Mario doubted whether he would apply. However, with her support and the encouragement of his teachers, he took the leap—and it paid off.
Throughout his high school career, Mario’s dedication to academics, leadership, and community service set him apart. He credits QCHS’s dedicated faculty and staff for creating an environment where students can excel. “Queen Creek High School has great instructors, and people that actually care about you as a person,” he said. “That makes the experience so much better.”
Mario plans to pursue a career in medicine, with dermatology as his top choice. He has been accepted into the honors colleges at both ASU and U of A and is currently weighing his options. If he is awarded the Flinn Scholarship, he is likely to attend U of A due to its strong medical programs.
Mario encourages other high-achieving students to apply for the Flinn Scholarship, even if they have doubts. “Nobody thought they would be a finalist,” he said. “If you believe you have the capabilities, give it a try—especially if you need financial help.”
Mario’s achievement highlights Queen Creek High School as a place where students can thrive and reach their highest potential. Enroll your student today in a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and ambition.
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