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Class of 2023
Zack Okun
Zack Okun is the founder of STEMducate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering STEM programs, competitions, and resources to over 9,000 students in 11 countries and 24 US states. Zack graduated as the 2023 valedictorian of Desert Mountain High School. During high school, Zack was president of Scottsdale Unified School District’s Student Advisory Board, Desert Mountain's Robotics Team, Science National Honor Society, and Advanced Placement Student Association; and treasurer of Desert Mountain’s Student Government and Ambassadors program. He also holds a 3rd-degree martial arts black belt. He will be attending Barrett, the Honors College at ASU, to study Manufacturing Engineering.
Andrew Roe
Andrew Roe will be attending and playing lacrosse at Lindenwood University in the fall of 2023. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, Arizona. Andrew is a scholar-student and athlete. He played varsity football for three years and varsity lacrosse all four years. Andrew was Captain of his high school lacrosse team. Additionally, he was involved in student council and leadership clubs. Andrew completed over 150 hours of volunteer community service during high school. He is most passionate about his work as an ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation. He wrote and published a children’s book about his journey. The book is titled Archie Airplane Has Arthritis and is available on Amazon.
Race Armstrong
Born and raised in the Verde Valley, Race spent his childhood hiking, biking, and swimming in the beautiful creeks and red rocks with his three younger brothers and parents. Born with autism, Race has spent every day of his life beating the odds, showing the world by his example that everyone has special gifts to offer mankind, making the world a better place. Race is a second degree black belt in American freestyle tae kwon do. He is an Eagle Scout, and a state finalist in the 500 meter and 200 meter freestyle for his high school swim team his junior and senior year. Despite his learning disability, Race graduated from Mingus High School with a 4.O, Summa Cum Laude, and the top 7% of his class. He is preparing to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for two years in the New York, Syracuse Mission. When he returns from his mission, Race plans to attend Northern Arizona University where he will earn his degree in Animal Science, and then onto veterinarian school after.
Jonas Blackketter
Jonas Blackketter, 17, is a homeschool graduate. In the fall Jonas will be studying mechanical engineering at LeTourneau University.
Hobbies include walking, running, rock climbing, and playing and composing music. Jonas enjoys serving others, from playing music at church to volunteering in other countries. Jonas is so grateful and excited to have received Alisa's Angels generous scholarship. He looks forward to continuing to serve his community in college and beyond.
Richard Stallworth
Richard Stallworth attended Yuma Catholic High School in Yuma Arizona. He will be attending the University of Northern Colorado in the fall to play Division 1 football. He played varsity football for four years and varsity basketball for three years. He was captain of the football team for 3 years while breaking several Arizona records . He completed a total of 880 service hours over the four years of high school. He is most passionate about football and being with his family .
August Htoo
August Htoo graduated Independence High School as the top 1% of his class. He helped establish a non-profit with in his church helping Karen refugees in their pursuit of education. He wants to display Karen excellence and shed light on struggles in Myanmar. He enjoys volleyball and swimming as a 4 year varsity for both sports. He intends to pursue a medical path at University of Arizona and give back to his communities. Coming to the US as a refugee, he is dedicated to make a difference for his people and others around him.
Hailey Robinson
Hailey Robinson, Mingus Union High School Salutatorian and graduate, she graduated Summa Cum Laude maintaining a 4.1 GPA. Hailey played tennis all throughout high school and has a second degree black belt in martial arts. She has participated in different community service activities since she was 10 years old. Hailey accepted the Lumberjack Scholarship from Northern Arizona University and was accepted into the Honors program offered. She is planning on studying Philosophy and Political law to then continue to go on to law school after getting her undergraduate degree.