I’m very grateful to receive this scholarship as it has knocked down the barrier of financial stability that otherwise prevented me from attending university.”

Marisol Cortes | Valley Vista High School graduate

Cox announced the 10 recipients of this year’s Cox Diversity Scholarship — each receiving $3,500 toward higher education — including one from Surprise.

Marisol Cortes, a graduate of Valley Vista High School, will be attending Arizona State University to study computer science.

“I’m very grateful to receive this scholarship as it has knocked down the barrier of financial stability that otherwise prevented me from attending university,” Cortes said.

These competitive scholarships require applicants be on track for graduation with a minimum 2.5 GPA, provide demonstrated leadership and community service as well as submit an essay focused on a significant leader from their respective diverse community.

“We are delighted to recognize this outstanding group of young adults from Arizona,” said Susan Anable, Cox Phoenix market vice president. “Our annual Cox Diversity Scholarships exemplify Cox’s dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our company and the communities we support.”

Since 2021, Cox has awarded $140,000 in diversity scholarships to students in Arizona in partnership with Be a Leader Foundation, Sunnyside Educational Foundation and Valle Del Sol.

This year’s other Arizona Cox Diversity Scholars are as follows:

Anais Jones, a graduate of Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, will be attending Eastern Arizona College and studying nursing.

Ana Fernandez, a graduate of St. Augustin Catholic High School in Tucson, will be attending the University of Arizona, studying medical studies and public health with a minor in Spanish.

Vincent Nguyen, a graduate of BASIS High School in Chandler, will be attending Arizona, studying biomedical science and philosophy.

Zahra Ali, a graduate of the Maricopa Institute of Technology in Phoenix, will be attending ASU to study information technology. She’s a dependent of a medically retired first responder.

Sarina Roy-Moder, a graduate of BASIS in Chandler, will be attending ASU to study chemical engineering.

Ian Elder, a graduate of the Arizona School for the Arts in Phoenix, will be attending ASU, studying political science and global studies

Talia Udelman, a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, will be attending Brown University, studying anthropology and political science.

Sofia Rosa, a graduate of Buena High School in Sierra Vista, will be attending ASU, studying environmental engineering and chemistry.

Lena Nguyen, a graduate of University High School in Tucson, will be attending Duke University, studying economics and public relations.