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Desert Financial Foundation Awards $198,000 in Scholarships to Arizona Students

On May 14, 2025, the Desert Financial Foundation celebrated the achievements of 62 exceptional Arizona students by awarding them a total of $198,000 in scholarships. This remarkable event took place at the luxurious Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, where students were acknowledged for their dedication to service, resilience in education, and commitment to building a brighter future for their communities.

The scholarships were divided into three main categories: Community Service Scholarships for high school seniors, Adult Learners Scholarships for individuals aged 25 and older, and Passion to Help Scholarships for dependents of Desert Financial team members. Nearly 200 students submitted their applications, demonstrating their passion for education and community involvement.

Celebrating Community Benefits

The Community Service Scholarships alone awarded 26 high school seniors a total of $84,000. Each recipient successfully completed a minimum of 50 volunteer hours, maintained a GPA of at least 3.0, showed financial need, and is set to enroll in a college or university in Arizona for the fall of 2025. Andrew Clough, a recipient from Highland Prep in Surprise, reflected on his volunteer experiences, expressing how they have transformed him into a more empathetic and attentive individual. Notably, he contributed over 350 hours volunteering with Billy's Place, a grief support organization for children that became a source of personal inspiration following his father's tragic passing.

In total, the Community Service Scholarship recipients accumulated more than 4,500 hours of volunteer work last year. Among them, three outstanding students received higher awards of $5,000 each: Andrew Clough, Ariana Andarcia Ramirez from Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, and Tristan St. Germain from Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise. The remaining 23 students each received scholarships of $3,000.

Supporting Adult Education

The Adult Learners Scholarships provided support to 30 adults, distributing a cumulative $96,000 to facilitate their pursuit of higher education. Recipients are enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited programs in Arizona for the 2025-2026 academic year. Francisco Lagarda Duarte, an aspiring engineer from Peoria, aims to utilize his education to enhance safety in transportation. His determination reflects the dedication of adult learners determined to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

Three adult learners achieved the recognition of $5,000 scholarships; Francisco Lagarda Duarte, Soyeon Ko of Tempe, and Tinotenda Mavunga from Phoenix, with 27 others receiving $3,000 each.

Honoring Dedicated Volunteers

In addition, the foundation also awarded six Passion to Help Scholarships—totaling $18,000—aimed at dependents of employees who have volunteered at least 50 hours in 2024. These scholarships emphasize the importance of giving back, further strengthening community ties among Desert Financial’s team members.

A Joyous Ceremony

The recipients were honored during the 2025 Desert Financial Foundation Scholarship Ceremony on May 7, 2025. Aside from the monetary awards, scholars received thoughtful gift baskets filled with educational essentials such as Sony headphones, Hydro Flask water bottles, Uber gift cards, snacks, and school supplies—tools to assist them on their educational journeys ahead.

Desert Financial Foundation has a successful history in supporting education. Since its inception in 2015, the organization has granted over $1.7 million to students, affirming its belief in the transformative power of education as a means for financial wellness improvement. Jeff Meshey, vice-chair of Desert Financial Foundation, noted, "These scholarships are just one way we invest in people who are working hard to better their lives, families, and communities."

To learn more about the Desert Financial Foundation's scholarship initiatives, visit DesertFinancial.com/Scholarships. The foundation remains committed to empowering Arizona's youth and adult learners in their quest for education and community service, helping to ensure a brighter future for all.

About Desert Financial Foundation

Founded in 2015, the Desert Financial Foundation is dedicated to enhancing financial capabilities through education and scholarship support. For more information on how the foundation contributes to the community or to find ways to donate, visit DesertFinancial.com/Foundation.