North Phoenix Prep Senior Selected as Flinn Scholar

For the second year running, a North Phoenix Prep senior has been selected as one of twenty Flinn Scholars from a pool of over 1,000 applicants across Arizona. This year, the scholarship went to an exceptional senior, Samuel Benavidez. The Flinn Scholarship is valued at more than $130,000, and includes the cost of tuition, fees, housing, meals, and at least two study-abroad experiences. Sam also received the Hispanic Youth Award Bronze Level and Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year for District 3. In addition, Sam was named an alternate in the University of Arizona Stamps Scholarship from among an exceptionally strong group of students.

Sam plans to study Finance at the W.P. Carey School of Business and Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus next fall. “Throughout my years at North Phoenix Prep, I have had the ability to take part in some amazing experiences,” said Sam. “I have been able to grow as a leader through taking part in the Lanista program both as a participant in middle school and as a Lanista in high school, in our school Senate, and as a member on the Gladiator soccer team. I am grateful to have been able to take part in these activities, but I am most grateful to have been a part of North Phoenix Prep’s community. Both teachers and students fully support each other; the teachers by mentoring and the students by encouraging each other. My community at North Phoenix Prep has taught me that imperfection is okay, and this has helped me through many of my struggles. I am sad to leave such a great community, but I will carry the lessons that I learned from North Phoenix Prep with me wherever I go.”

Sam has left an indelible impression on his teachers as well. “Sam has the dedication, the tact, the consideration, the intelligence, the creativity, and the intuition to excel in any environment that would be worthy of his virtuous personality,” said Humane Letters teacher, Dr. Joseph Mann. “Even in a large college environment, his teachers will know him for all the right reasons. He will be the student who refreshes their love for teaching and restores their faith in humanity.”

Calculus teacher, Robert Shisler, is looking forward to seeing what this expectational scholar can accomplish. “This is my 32nd year of teaching high school mathematics, and Samuel has impressed me as a student who will be able to achieve great things when he sets his mind and heart to that task.”

“I first met Sam at a summer workshop where he shared stories about his latest passion in martial arts, called tricking,” recalled College Counselor Sheila Conner. “The moniker fails to convey the intensity and level of total commitment required to perform aesthetic flips and twists in mid-air. This sport, however, serves as an apt metaphor for Sam’s approach to his studies, extracurricular activities, and relationships.”

While Sam gives a great deal of credit to his academy for his personal growth, it is easy to see from his parents’ humble response, that he had a virtuous upbringing at home as well. “Sam is a caring and conscientious individual. He works hard to reach his goals, and when he does, he is humble and honors those who have helped him grow while also celebrating the accomplishments of others,” said Mr. and Mrs. Benavidez.

Congratulations to Samuel Benavidez, class of 2023!

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