Shadow Ridge Student Named Flinn Scholar Semifinalist

Carolyn Austin, a senior from Shadow Ridge High School, was named a Flinn Scholar Semifinalist.  The Flinn Scholarship is a prestigious program that awards applicants based on academic achievement, leadership and involvement, service to the community, ability to communicate, and personal qualities. 

Carolyn is one of 80 high-achieving Arizona high-school seniors named as a semifinalist out of more than 1,000 applicants seeking the Flinn Scholarship.  By being named Flinn Scholarship Semifinalist, Carolyn will qualify for a specially designated scholarship from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona.

Carolyn is an accomplished and involved student at Shadow Ridge.  She is ranked 8th in her class and has a 3.9 GPA.  She is a Shadow Ridge football manager and a member of the National Honor Society.  In her free time, Carolyn indulges her creative side by reading, writing, and drawing.  She can also be found stretching her culinary wings as she enjoys cooking and baking. After graduation, Carolyn plans to attend Northern Arizona University and is considering a major in English.

“To come this far in our very competitive process is an honor earned by just 8% of applicants from around the state,” said Anne Lassen, Flinn Foundation vice president, scholarship and education initiatives. “These students impressed reviewers with their academic achievement, service, and leadership.”

Carolyn will advance to the virtual interview portion later this month with an opportunity to be named one of 40 Flinn Scholarship Finalists invited to an in-person interview with the selection committee in March.  The Flinn Scholars Class of 2024 will be announced in April.

Now in its 39th year, the Flinn Scholarship is valued at more than $130,000 and includes funding for tuition, housing, meals, and study abroad. About 20 Arizona high-school seniors are selected each year and attend the honors colleges of the state’s three public universities. Each Flinn Scholarship Semifinalist who is not ultimately selected as a Flinn Scholar will receive a $15,000 annual scholarship if they attend one of the state’s three public universities. The Flinn Foundation is a privately endowed, philanthropic grantmaking organization established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.

Shadow Ridge Student Moves on to Final Interview