Helios Education Foundation and YUHSD reveal Class of 2026 Ready Now Yuma Scholarship recipients

May 18, 2026

YUMA, Ariz. – For the eighth consecutive year, Helios Education Foundation and Yuma Union High School District announced six recipients of the annual Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship. 

Each scholarship is worth up to $15,000 per year and is renewable for up to three additional years. The scholarship program is part of Helios’ more than $2.6 million investment over 10 years in YUHSD students through the scholarship program, which began with the Class of 2019. 

“Through the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship, we are investing in students whose hard work, resilience and determination have led them to this point,” said Paul J. Luna, president and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “These students have already shown what’s possible when young people are surrounded by strong support systems and high expectations. We are proud to help remove financial barriers so they can continue pursuing their education and career goals.” 

Students were surprised at school by their school counselors and principals with oversized checks and balloons. Videos of each surprise were shared on their school’s individual Facebook and Instagram pages with a full video compilation available on YUHSD’s official YouTube channel. 

“This scholarship means so much more to me than just financial support, it gives me the opportunity to pursue my education without having to worry about tuition, something I never even imagined could be a real possibility for me,” said Cibola High School senior Adamariz Fernandez, who will attend the University of Arizona to study nursing.  

“Because of this opportunity, I can focus on my education and future, pursuing a career that I’ve always dreamt about. Earning this scholarship shows me that my hard work has truly paid off and reflects how much I’ve grown over these past few years. This means so much more than a scholarship to me, it’s an opportunity shaping my future.” 

The Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholars program supports graduating seniors with financial need who are attending an accredited post-secondary institution full-time and pursuing a 4-year degree in any field of study. Scholarships are renewable if students remain in good academic standing and maintain the required GPA. 

Eighty-nine qualified applicants among the Class of 2026 were considered by Helios and the Arizona Community Foundation.  

Here are this year’s recipients, their high school, and what college or university they plan to attend:  

  • Adamariz Fernandez, Cibola High School, University of Arizona 
  • Joshua Olan Lopez, Gila Ridge High School, Arizona State University 
  • Genesis Cardenas, Kofa High School, Oregon Institute of Technology 
  • Valeria Gutierrez, San Luis High School, University of Arizona 
  • Evolhet Bonillas Valtierra, Vista High School, Northern Arizona University (Yuma) 
  • Kimberly Flores, Yuma High School, Arizona State University