Two Dysart High School seniors, Madilyn Cortez Pantaleon and Zarayha Rentaria, have been awarded the prestigious Dell Scholarship, landing them among 500 recipients nationwide.
Cortez Pantaleon is an advanced placement honors student who has made the most of her time at Dysart.
She actively participated in Advancement Via Individual Determination, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the JROTC physical fitness team, the Raiders. During her junior year, she interned with the Pima County Attorney’s Office. During her internship, Pantaleon shadowed an attorney, reviewed cases and sat in on court cases — an experience that further influenced her to pursue a career in law.
Rentaria, also an AP honors student, has been involved in Dysart’s athletics throughout all four years of high school. She has competed in competitive volleyball, beach volleyball, and now serves as the manager for the Dysart boys volleyball team.
Outside of school, she takes care of her little sister and cousin. Rentaria says caring for them has taught her the importance of patience and understanding. This responsibility inspired her decision to go to school to become a nurse.
“My advice to underclassmen considering continuing their education after high school is to go all in for school,” Rentaria said. “Enjoy your high school experience, but make sure you don’t fall too far behind and take AP and honors classes. And don’t forget to take advantage of scholarships. If you’re in AVID, make it a priority to apply for any and every scholarship available. It can make a big difference for your college journey.”
Each year, the Dell Scholarship recognizes just 500 students across the nation. Dell Scholars receive $20,000 along with many valuable resources including a brand new laptop with a four-year warranty, $2,000 in textbook and access code credits, as well as access to the network of current and former Dell Scholars.
“Receiving this scholarship has made me think, ‘OK, I’m eased. I’m allowed to just sit down and enjoy this accomplishment, enjoy this moment.’ And now there’s nothing really holding me back from attaining that four-year success and attaining the career that I want,” Cortez Pantaleon said.
Cortez Pantaleon plans to attend Arizona State University downtown, while Rentaria is looking forward to attending Grand Canyon University beginning in the fall.
