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Photo of several students smiling and holding their scholarships.

$108,5000 Awarded to 21 DUSD High School Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/06/2026

The 8th Annual Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) Scholarship Awards Dinner was held at the Dysart Unified Support Services Facility. DEF funded their largest number of scholarships and students to date of $108,500 to 21 graduating high school seniors from the four Dysart Unified School District (DUSD) high schools to obtain higher education in their chosen fields.

This year’s program focused on “Celebrating Our Students and Their Champions.”  The Master of Ceremonies, Dysart Superintendent Dr. John Croteau, explained the evening’s theme, explaining that “Behind every scholarship recipient is someone who believed in them, encouraged them, and took the time to say, ‘This student matters.’” Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) sponsored and catered the dinner to more than one hundred attendees to guarantee that all donations go directly to students.

Renee Rodriquesz (Dysart High School, Class of 2010) of “Oh Snap Photos” captured the evening, while the Dysart High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), under the instruction of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Detrinidad, posted the colors. Alumni Samantha Stinebaugh (Valley Vista High School, Class of 2021) sang the national anthem. Courtney Grieshaber (Shadow Ridge High School, Class of 2022), who is now teaching First Grade at Freedom Traditional Academy, was the keynote speaker, and urged the 2026 recipients to continue to seek guidance in their “Champions” and one day look back to be a “Champion” for someone else.

The 2026 recipients received their scholarship certificates in the presence of their families, DUSD principals, counselors, administration, Governing Board, the community leaders and officers from Surprise and El Mirage, and the donors of their scholarships.

Congratulations to:

Barnett Medical-Related Occupations Scholarship, $2,500 

  • Brooke Rains, Shadow Ridge High School

Dysart High School Tyrus Timbrooks Memorial, $2,500 each 

  • Layla Donahue, Dysart High School  
  • Abigail Franco, Dysart High School 

El Mirage Firefighters Charities, $3,000 each  

  • Andrea Castillo, Dysart High School 
  • Grecia Ochoa, Dysart High School 

  • The Randy Sterna Grand Opportunity Scholarship, $7,000
  • Nancy Nguyen, Dysart High School 

SFE-Southwest Foodservice Excellence, $5,000 each

  • Shannon Maloney, Shadow Ridge High School 
  • Lydia Williams, Valley Vista High School 

Subaru Share the Love Scholarship of Surprise, $6,000 each

  • Alejandra Flores, Valley Vista High School
  • Kenrick Geffrard, Willow Canyon High School
  • Eva Perez, Shadow Ridge High School  

Dysart Education Foundation Scholarship, $6,000 each

  • Santiago Leyva-Fonseca, Dysart High School
  • Alicca Lopez, Dysart High School
  • Jacob Blackshear, Shadow Ridge High School
  • Jalen Harris, Shadow Ridge High School
  • Trenton Mueller, Shadow Ridge High School
  • Chase Senft, Shadow Ridge High School
  • Aftynn Bennett, Valley Vista High School
  • Kayla Vargas, Valley Vista High School
  • Ariana McCullom, Willow Canyon High School
  • Arianna Prescott, Willow Canyon High School 

The Foundation thanks Western State Bank for their ongoing contributions and everyone who had an impact on this Celebration of Champions. DEF is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1985 whose sole purpose is to enrich and enhance educational opportunities in the Dysart Unified School District through fundraising. Seniors who achieve strong academic results, are active in their communities, and show financial need, can receive college scholarships.

The doors are open for volunteers in fundraising, marketing, social media, events, and operational support. Donations from businesses and individuals are always welcome. Visit the tab on our website under Alumni, Friends, & Donors for more information.

DEF’s intent is to engage the community in supporting public education by stimulating community involvement in education. Scholarships are available to apply in January through March of the graduating school year. Visit www.DysartEducationFoundation.org for information and to offer donations.

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