Each year Surprise Sundancer scholarship recipients send testimonials and stories about what these scholarships mean to them. This page celebrates these 2018 stories.
Scholarship recipient to attend the University of Arizona-1
"When I was a little girl, I had always envisioned helping others and aspired to do something that would change the world. Growing up, I never imagined it would be possible, yet here I am today: nineteen years old, a resident assistant, researcher, college student and future nurse. Without this generous investment from the Surprise Sundancers, I would not be where I am today. Every day I am thankful that I have the privilege to wake up at 5 AM and touch the lives of patients and their families. With this investment, I am able to focus on my studies, engage in leadership opportunities around campus and work on my thesis. I am forever grateful for the time members of the Surprise Sundancers have spent raising money so I can accomplish my dreams."
Scholarship recipient to attend Arizona State University - Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering-2
"I'd like to start off by telling you how grateful I am to have received this scholarship. You have brought me so much more than a moment of happiness, you've brought me my future. I grew up in household clutched in poverty's grasp, and without financial assistance there was no way for me to strive for my goals. For my dad, college was almost an embarrassing subject. He always knew how well I was doing in school and praised me for every achievement, but there was no way for him to pitch in what little money was coming in to the family. You guys have lifted a barrier.
Ten thousand dollars? That's amazing. YOU are amazing. In doing this, Mark Coronado's name is now in my heart, and the hearts of other scholarship recipients. I've seen and felt the positivity of the Surprise Sundancers and every volunteer at the stadium was radiating humor and pride and it was unique. Thank you for seeing something in me."
Scholarship recipient to attend Iowa State University-3
"I want to begin by expressing the significance that the Mark Coronado scholarship has on my life. When I found out that I had won one of the scholarships I was truly grateful because it meant that not just one person, but a group of people believe in what I do and what I will do with my future. This scholarship will fund more than just a piece of my education, it will encourage my passion to serve the community. The Surprise Sundancers and the Mark Coronado family have truly changed my life and I cannot be more grateful for their contribution to my future."
Scholarship recipient to attend Stanford University-4
"I am both honored and humbled to receive such an amazing gift from the Surprise Sundancers. As a girl who grew up in Surprise, having the city that always gave me so much help me on my road to higher education is a dream come true. I hope to always represent my hometown and the generosity of this amazing organization."
Scholarship recipient to attend Valparaiso University-5
"Thank you so much for the scholarship for the 2018-19 year. Last year the award I received, helped me out immensely with my tuition at GCC. This year I will be [playing sports] for Valparaiso University and this scholarship will help with expenses."
Scholarship recipient to attend Grand Canyon University-6
"Thank you so much for the scholarship! I have been so stressed lately trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for college, I started to think I wouldn't be able to go to college. It's beyond amazing to feel like all my hard work all 4 years of high school has finally paid off."
Scholarship recipient to attend Arizona State University-7
"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to continue my education. Your support helps me study at one of the best journalism schools in the country, ASU Cronkite. Here I am learning valuable lessons that will help me in my future career. Thank you again for funding the future generation's education."
Note: Some stories are edited for length.