Posted on: 05/22/2024

Helios Education Foundation and YUHSD announce Class of 2024 RNY scholarship recipients

YUMA, Ariz. – Helios Education Foundation and Yuma Union High School District announced six recipients of the annual Ready Now Yuma Scholarship this week.

The scholarship is worth up to $15,000 each year and is renewable up to three additional years and is part of Helios’ more than $3 million investment over 10 years in YUHSD students through the scholarship program, which began with the Class of 2019.

“We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding students through the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship,” said Grace Smith Kaus, director of postsecondary success initiatives for Helios Education Foundation. “Their dedication and hard work have earned them this opportunity, and we believe in their potential to transform their lives through postsecondary education. By investing in their future, we are also investing in the future of our community.”

Students were given an oversized check and balloons by their school counselor and principal as part of a surprise presentation on campus. A video compilation of the surprises can be viewed on YUHSD’s YouTube channel.

“I have all of the money I need to pay for college, and now I’m not going to need loans or anything,” said Cibola senior Grace Villa, who is planning to attend Arizona State University in the fall.    

The Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholars program supports seniors with financial need attending an accredited post-secondary institution and pursuing any field of study. Students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university and pursuing a 4-year degree. This scholarship is renewable if students are in good standing and maintain the required GPA.  

More than 70 qualified applicants were considered by Helios and the Arizona Community Foundation.   

Here are this year’s recipients, their high school, and what college or university they plan to attend: 

  • Grace Villa, Cibola High School, Arizona State University
  • Kirra McDowell, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University
  • Emma Connor, Kofa High School, Boston University
  • Anelys Romo Herrera, San Luis High School, Arizona State University
  • Nalani Acosta, Vista High School, Arizona Western College
  • Patrick Argomaniz, Yuma High School, Northern Arizona University