San Tan Valley Celebrates Exceptional Student as Flinn Scholar

A remarkable student from San Tan Valley's Poston Butte High School, part of the Florence Unified School District, has been honored with the prestigious Flinn Scholarship. Riley Campbell-Biter is among 20 outstanding Arizona students who have been awarded this merit-based scholarship, which covers the full cost of attending one of Arizona's public universities.

The Flinn Scholarship, valued at over $130,000, includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and at least two study-abroad experiences. Anne Lassen, Flinn Foundation Vice President of Scholarship and Education Initiatives, expressed her enthusiasm for the diverse and high-achieving group of students in a press release, stating that the scholars will greatly contribute to the Flinn Scholars community and represent Arizona well in their future endeavors.

This year's Flinn Scholars will be attending the honors colleges at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. Now in its 38th year, the Flinn Foundation, based in Phoenix, collaborates with the three state universities to support the scholarship program, which benefits students from public district and charter high schools across the state.

The Flinn Scholars Class of 2023 is set to study a wide array of subjects, ranging from neuroscience and physiology to English and political science. The class also includes students from six high schools celebrating their first Flinn Scholar, three high schools with their second Flinn Scholar, and others with consecutive years of Flinn Scholars.

Over 1,000 applications were received for the Flinn Scholarship, with an award rate of 1.9%. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, typically ranking in the top 5% of their graduating class, and show leadership in extracurricular activities at school and within their communities.

Tammy McLeod, Flinn Foundation President and CEO, expressed her admiration for the new class of Flinn Scholars, stating that they represent Arizona's brightest future leaders and thinkers.

In addition to the full tuition, Flinn Scholars benefit from an international summer seminar after their freshman year, at least one additional study-abroad experience, participation in a community of over 700 current and alumni Flinn Scholars, membership in a university honors college, mentorship from faculty and fellow scholars, and various intellectual, cultural, and social activities organized by the Flinn Foundation and the universities.

Riley Campbell-Biter's accomplishment as a Flinn Scholar is a source of immense pride for the San Tan Valley community, and we eagerly anticipate the exceptional contributions she will make to both her university and the broader community.