Even though the start of their respective Wildcat journeys is still a few months away, a dozen of Arizona's brightest young minds have already made an impact at the University of Arizona as this year's cohort of Flinn Scholars. Awarded by the Phoenix-based nonprofit Flinn Foundation, the merit-based Flinn Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors from across Arizona.

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Twenty students were named 2026 Flinn Scholars, selected from 1,150 applications and representing 19 Arizona high schools. Of that group, a dozen will attend the U of A and enroll in the W.A. Franke Honors College. The financial award includes the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals and more – a value of more than $135,000. The scholarship also funds at least two study abroad experiences, including a two-week group seminar following the first year of college. 

Franke Dean John Pollard said the arrival of Flinn Scholars is a strong reminder of why the college's work matters.

"These students are exceptional, and they have choices," he said. "This year, 12 of the 20 Flinn Scholars in Arizona chose the University of Arizona and Franke Honors, and we do not take that lightly. It reflects the strength of our research culture, our innovative academic programs, our faculty and the community we have cultivated for students who want more than a degree. We are proud to welcome them and deeply committed to honoring the trust they have placed in us, from their first day on campus through every path they pursue after graduation."

A key player in the university's Flinn efforts is Erin Deely, director of recruitment and outreach for Franke Honors College and the university's Flinn Scholarship advisor. In her role, Deely co-facilitates programs and supports scholars throughout their academic journeys – from enrollment to graduation and beyond.

"The University of Arizona continues to attract Flinn Scholars, in part because of the community that we've created here – and not just here at the Honors College but the whole of the U of A campus," Deely said. "We aim to support students personally, professionally and academically. These are out-of-the-box, interdisciplinary thinkers who come to us with big ideas, and we connect them with the best resources we have so they can accomplish their goals."

Outside of the support provided by Deely and the greater Flinn network, honors students also have access to a unique dual degree program in creative intelligence and innovation with four professional minors; the PATH mentoring program that connects new students with more experienced Wildcats; Exploratory Mini Grants that provide $5,000 individual and $10,000 group awards; and the newly launched Venture Studio that offers entrepreneurial resources and support.

This year's Flinn Scholars are pursuing a wide range of undergraduate degrees, from physics to criminal justice and biology. While their academic pursuits may vary, Deely said the unifying characteristics between this year's students are maturity and self-awareness despite their young age.

"I am always floored by what these scholars have already achieved in their lives," Deely said. "Each of these students have looked at their life experiences in very meaningful ways, explored their interests and discovered gaps or problems in their communities that they want to address, or have already addressed. They seize every opportunity to explore, listen and learn, because they are hungry to make a change and apply their learning in really tangible ways. I am not worried about the future, because we are in the good hands of these amazing young people."

This year's U of A Flinn Scholars:

• Adrian Alejandro Perez-Martinez, Hamilton High School, Chandler
• Aleena Rafiyath, BASIS Oro Valley, Tucson 
• Arnav Modem, Basha High School, Gilbert 
• Charlotte Williams Gross, North High School, Phoenix
• Ciera Tsosie, Flagstaff High School, Tonalea
• Finnegan McGill, Tanque Verde High School, Tucson 
• Isabella Pettet, Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center-Estrella Mountain, Litchfield Park 
• Katherine Beverage, Tanque Verde High School, Tucson 
• Mae Gomez, San Luis High School, San Luis
• Nethra Chintaboina, Arizona College Prep High School, Chandler 
• Rain Elika Dimaliwat, Blue Ridge High School, Pinetop-Lakeside
• Timothy Kulangara, BASIS Ahwatukee, Phoenix

The 2026 class will be honored at the Flinn Scholars Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, May 2, in Scottsdale.