Tuition waivers, valued at over $20,000, have been awarded to seven students from Northland Pioneer College (NPC) to complete their bachelor’s degrees at one of Arizona’s three public universities. For the past 29 years, the Arizona Board of Regents has awarded waivers for up to 60 credits to top-performing students from the state’s community college districts to encourage them to finish their education as members of the All-Arizona Academic Team. To be eligible, a student must have a cumulative 3.5 or higher grade-point average, be working toward an associate degree, and demonstrate college or community volunteerism and leadership.
Receiving tuition waivers are NPC students Pamela Bishop and Christyana Serna of Holbrook, Dylan Hatch and Micah Salazar of Snowflake, Charis Johnson of Taylor, and Samantha Gonzalez-Zuniga and Amber Thompson of Show Low. These students will also receive individual cash scholarship awards from NPC.
Bishop is passionate about education. She works with a variety of learners and is currently a tutor at Northland Pioneer College (NPC) assisting students who are re-entering college or are working on earning their High School Equivalency (GED®). She said, “I feel connected to these students. They are transforming their lives through education just like I did.” An adult learner herself, Bishop initially felt intimidated by the thought of going back to school. However, with the support of her sons and her wife, Tiffani, who is an NPC alumna, she found the strength to step back into the classroom. “I believe in the power of family, the importance of education and compassion, and that life is best spent uplifting those around you,” she said. She is currently the president of NPC’s Student Government Association and the college’s Eagle Club. She also regularly helps coordinate and volunteer at St. Mary’s Food Bank box distribution events. Bishop will earn her associate’s degree this spring from NPC and plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to earn her bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree. She plans to continue her work advocating for students in Northern Arizona.
Serna is also a current employee at NPC, working as a clerk in NPC’s financial aid office. She is a cosmetology student and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree this past fall. A dedicated, high achiever, Serna plans to continue her studies at either Northern Arizona University or Arizona State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in business. Serna plans to follow the footsteps of her grandmother, who owned and operated a successful beauty salon in the Holbrook area for many years. “My goal is to practice cosmetology and provide outstanding service, build strong client relationships, and make people feel welcomed and cared for. I want to create an open, welcoming space for my community.”
Hatch is the eldest of four siblings and has taken on the responsibility of helping guide and care for them. He is deeply committed to his family and strives to set a good example for his siblings. “I hope that I can inspire them to do things they love in their pursuit of education,” he said. Hatch has a passion for mathematics and is fascinated by logic and how it applies to everyday tasks and life. He is also keenly aware of the importance of self-care. “I make sure to pay close attention to my mental, physical and spiritual health so that I can better serve my family and community,” he said. Dylan is currently a math tutor at NPC and enjoys teaching and helping others. He plans to continue his education and transfer to the University of Arizona. He would like to eventually earn a doctoral degree and teach others in a university setting. “I want to make a difference in the world and help apply my work to real-world problem-solving.” Hatch laughed, “Perhaps MIT is in my future.”
Salazar is passionate about helping others. She had always seen herself pursuing a healthcare career. However, the loving mother of three refocused that calling when one of her children was born with hearing loss. “It inspired me to redirect my path to early childhood education and working with children, particularly those who are underprivileged or developmentally challenged,” she said. “I’ve learned how to support my daughter and advocate for her needs. I’ve also seen how hard she works to overcome challenges. Watching her confidence grow has been incredibly inspiring.” Salazar has consistently maintained academic excellence and will earn her associate’s degree in early childhood education from NPC this spring. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to continue her studies and eventually earn a master’s degree with an emphasis in special education. “I would love to work with children in a first-grade setting, where I can help build a strong foundation during a critical stage in their development. I hope to provide my students with the same encouragement and consistency that I strive to provide for my own family.”
Johnson’s future is taking flight on and off the stage. She is currently studying performing arts at NPC and will earn her associate’s degree this spring with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to continue her studies. “I have been drawn to performing arts since childhood,” she said. “I love every bit of any kind of art, but there is something special about performing it. The connection to the audience, the vulnerability, the stories told. I love it,” she said. Charis recently played the role of Shelby Eaton in NPC’s production of Steel Magnolias and is currently rehearsing for NPC’s upcoming production of Emma.
These NPC students, along with other top community college scholars from around the state, will be honored at a luncheon and awards presentation held in their honor on Wednesday, April 22, in Mesa.
To learn more about NPC’s All-AZ academic team program, details on the scholarship, and a complete list of past NPC recipients, visit www.npc.edu/all-az.
