On April 30, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly special at Coronado High School — hope taking center stage.
That evening, 34 remarkable seniors were honored with scholarships through the Coronado Promise, a celebration made possible by the support of the Scottsdale Charros, the Charro Foundation, the Coronado Foundation for the Future, Scottsdale Community College, the Scottsdale Unified School District, and an entire community that believes in its youth.
This event was more than a ceremony. It was a powerful statement of collective commitment to the students of the Coronado Learning Community — an affirmation that we see their potential, and we are here to support it.
The Coronado Promise Scholarship offers up to $6,000 toward tuition and fees for students pursuing community college or technical training in Arizona. But its impact goes far beyond financial aid. It sends a message that their futures matter, and that their community is invested in their success.
What makes this initiative even more meaningful is the story behind it. Rob Flick, a proud Coronado High graduate from the Class of 1971, and his wife Jennifer, were moved to action after reading about the scholarship in a local newspaper. Through their newly founded Flick Family Foundation, they chose to give back in a way that is deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
Thanks to their generosity — and the unwavering support of many — these students will go on to study nursing, film production, business, underwater welding and more. They will attend institutions like Scottsdale and Mesa Community Colleges and the East Valley Institute of Technology, each of them carrying their dreams and the encouragement of a community that believes in them.
As Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel so eloquently said, “None of this would be possible without the deep commitment and support of our community.” The Coronado Promise is not just a scholarship. It is a movement — and I am proud to be part of it.
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