A Queen Creek High School senior is a finalist for the Flinn Scholarship which will provide full tuition to any of the state’s public universities.

Besides a full scholarship to Arizona State University, University of Arizona or Northern Arizona University, Mario Aleman will have access to a network of high-achieving scholars, mentorship opportunities and international study experiences, according to a press release from the Queen Creek Unified School District.

The journey to becoming a Flinn Scholar is rigorous, requiring students to navigate a multistage selection process. Aleman began by submitting an extensive application detailing his academic history, extracurricular involvement and standardized test scores. He also wrote essays to share his personal story and achievements.

In December, he was named a semifinalist, advancing to a series of interviews that determined his finalist status.

Aleman first learned about the scholarship through QCHS’ College and Career Center. His counselor, Amber Martin, recognized his potential and encouraged him to apply.

Aleman credited QCHS’s faculty and staff for creating an environment where students can excel.

“Queen Creek High School has great instructors, and people that actually care about you as a person,” he stated in the release. “That makes the experience so much better.”

Aleman plans to pursue a career in medicine, with dermatology as his top choice. He has been accepted into the honors colleges at both ASU and UA and is currently weighing his options. With the help of the Flinn Scholarship, he is likely to attend UA due to its strong medical programs.

He encouraged other high-achieving students to apply for the Flinn Scholarship, even if they have doubts.

“Nobody thought they would be a finalist,” he stated in the release. “If you believe you have the capabilities, give it a try — especially if you need financial help.”