Helios Awards Six Yuma Students with Four-Year College Scholarship

Six students from Yuma, Arizona have just been awarded a full scholarship to an Arizona college or university of their choice.  During a time of much uncertainty for students throughout the country, these six students are on their way to pursuing their college degree and planning for a successful future.  

Congratulations to:

• Serena Felix, attending Northern Arizona University

• Adrian Hernandez, attending Arizona State University

• William Krueger, attending Grand Canyon University

• Naiara Avila, attending Northern Arizona University

• Iris Binuya, attending Arizona Western College

• Caroline Martinez, attending Northern Arizona University

These students were selected out of a pool of nearly 80 qualified applicants.  

“Helios Education Foundation is honored to provide scholarships to these deserving students,” said Grace Smith Kaus, Director, Postsecondary Success Initiatives for Helios Education Foundation. “These students have a bright future ahead of them and Helios is proud to help support their success, at this pivotal time.”

The scholarship is awarded annually to one student from each of Yuma County's six high schools. It's worth up to $15,000 a year, and it's renewable for up to three additional years. That's a total of $60,000 to help these students achieve their dreams.

Although the students could not be notified in person, YUHSD and Helios surprised each student with a virtual check presentation ceremony. The announcement came as a complete surprise to the students.  

“I just want to say thank you so much, this is huge,” said San Luis High School senior Naiara Avila. “I’m totally speechless. I feel blessed. I’m still kind of shaking.”

Watch the video below to meet the students and hear their reactions as they find out they have been awarded the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship.