The Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education (PMFHE) is proud to announce that 28 students have been awarded scholarships for the 2026 academic year—many of them full-ride awards that completely remove the financial barriers standing between local scholars and their educational dreams.
This year’s celebration, held at the Gila Community College Gila Pueblo Campus, highlighted not only the academic achievements of these students but also the impact of community generosity.
In total, PMFHE has awarded $54,700 in scholarships for the Fall and Spring semesters, a significant investment that strengthens educational access throughout Gila County and directly supports students in pursuing meaningful career and academic pathways.
This year’s recognition reflects the collaborative leadership of the Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education Board, including Gregg Parisoff, President; John O’Donnell, Vice President; Janice Law, Secretary; Mickie Nye, Treasurer; Monica Perez, Member; and Wade Dotson, Member. Their dedication, alongside the support of Gila Community College leadership—Janice Lawhorn, Ph.D., President; Phil McBride, Ph.D., Vice President; and Andrea Renon, Gila Pueblo Campus Director—ensures that students throughout the region have access to meaningful educational opportunities.
The ceremony honored donors, recognized the impact of the Wings of Hope and Angel’s Scholarship, and featured remarks from PMFHE Treasurer Mickie Nye, followed by a keynote speech delivered by Joy Peery, Chief Nursing Officer at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center. These leaders shared powerful reflections on the importance of supporting students as they work to shape their futures.
Among the 28 scholarships awarded, an extraordinary 15 were funded through Angel’s Scholarship, demonstrating the transformative reach of the Wings of Hope initiative.
For many students, these scholarships mean the difference between juggling rent, tuition, Christmas expenses, and basic living costs—and being able to pursue their education with clarity and confidence. This kind of relief is the direct result of donor generosity and community support.
This year’s scholarship recipients represent dedication, determination, and promise. The Foundation proudly congratulates Savannah Garcia, Agnes Thompson, Kaylyn Macias, Tatiana Jones, Haylie Courtney, Benedict Wiley, Danielle Acosta, Kirsten Allinson, Brittany Marriott, Cristina Valenzuela, Regina Miranda, Faylynn Tewawina, Alliyah Curiel, Anahi Juarez, Ariana Newman, Maribel Castro, Kaiya Hicks-Warren, Jeremy Newman, Kylie Martinez, Laonna Hawkins, Raelene Zaragoza, Alyssa Tafoya, Victoria Martinez, Kadence Miller, Angela Jenkins, Ashley Rodriquez, Gabriela Cabrera, and Ashley Pile. Each student honored embodies the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of brighter possibilities, and the Foundation looks forward to witnessing all they will achieve.
The Foundation extends its gratitude to the many corporate and personal donors whose generosity made these scholarships possible. Their commitment to strengthening educational access—including support from local businesses, civic organizations, and community members—continues to shape the future of Gila County. Special appreciation is given to Angel Perez and the Wings of Hope program for their steadfast dedication to student success.
The Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education remains committed to expanding opportunities and empowering students to pursue their goals. With every scholarship awarded, the Foundation invests not only in individual students but in the long-term vitality and success of the entire region. Together, we are creating pathways to opportunity—one student, one dream, and one scholarship at a time.
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