Motivated high school students to attend NAU on scholarship

Eight of 23 Arizona high school students who will receive a four-year scholarship to attend one of the state universities are headed to NAU.

The Dorrance Scholarship targets highly motivated high school students who are the first in their families to attend college and who demonstrate financial need. The four-year scholarship targets the three state universities and is valued at $9,000 per year.

"The Dorrance Scholarship Program is much more than direct financial support," said Bruce Fox, director of NAU's honors program. "Scholars also participate in cultural, social and community service events on and off campus. By combining all these activities, the scholars demonstrate their personal values of a commitment to excellence in their educations."

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average and complete 12 credit hours each semester. It covers the cost of tuition, books and other school-related items. After the first two years, students who successfully meet all renewal criteria receive a $4,000 stipend for study and travel abroad. The program is overseen by the Arizona Community Foundation.

"The Dorrance Family members take direct and personal interests in the lives of these students," Fox said.

Bennett and Jacquie Dorrance created the scholarship program in 1999. Along with their son, Bennett, and their daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Chris Baiker, they continue to provide educational support for the program.

Dorrance scholarship recipients to attend NAU include: Elliot Dewey of Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria; Christopher Fallon of Greenway High School in Phoenix; Alaina Gelinas of Highland High School in Gilbert; Emma Gurule of Desert View High School in Tucson; Monica Macias of Tolleson Union High School; Danita Smith of Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson; Chrystale Stewart of Show Low High School, and Kaylyn Jackson of Tuba City High School.