Litchfield Park student named Flinn Scholar, earns full ride university

A Litchfield Park high school senior has been named a 2026 Flinn Scholar, earning a full scholarship to an Arizona public university.

Isabella Pettet of the Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center-Estrella Mountain was selected as one of 20 students statewide for the merit-based award, chosen from 1,150 applicants representing 19 high schools.

The Flinn Scholars each earn a full scholarships to any public Arizona university.

The scholars, from 19 Arizona high schools, receive a package valued at $135,000 over four academic years. That package includes tuition, housing, meals and at least two study abroad opportunities.

“The students from the Class of 2026 have unique backgrounds, but all are driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. Beyond their academic accomplishments, they stand out for how they think, lead, and engage with the world around them,” said Anne Lassen, Flinn Foundation vice president, scholarship and education initiatives, in a press release.

The class of honorees will be recognized during the Flinn Scholars Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, May 2, in Scottsdale.

The scholarship program dates to 1986 with more than 750 recipients during that time. This is the 41st class of honorees.

“The Flinn Scholars Program is more than a scholarship. It’s a partnership with Arizona’s public universities to ensure that the state’s brightest students have every reason to stay, study, and build their futures here. The return on that investment, for Arizona, has been extraordinary,” said Flinn Foundation President and CEO Tammy McLeod, Ph.D.