As Teacher Appreciation Week approached, the new class of Flinn Scholars expressed gratitude for educators who have made a significant impact on their academic and life pursuits.
The Distinguished Educators were honored Saturday, May 3, during the annual Flinn Scholarship Recognition Luncheon in Scottsdale. The event introduced the Class of 2025 Flinn Scholars and honored Scholars graduating from an Arizona university this year.
2025 Flinn Scholar Grace Smithson shared how even during first period, Adam Reeck brought enthusiasm to his classes at Blue Ridge High School in Pinetop-Lakeside.
“Mr. Reeck’s personal catchphrase is ‘I’m so pumped to learn!’ He has helped me learn how to see from different perspectives and explore ways to make a difference in the world,” said Smithson of her AP Human Geography & AP Seminar teacher.
Flinn Scholar Rati Tabatadze of Gilbert Classical Academy thanked his AP World History teacher, Amy Wall.
“Ms. Wall’s passion for history and diplomacy inspired my curiosity, sharpened my thinking, and nurtured my confidence, transforming me into a more articulate, driven, and globally minded student,” Tabatadze said.
Sandra Day O’Connor High School AP English Language and Composition teacher Holly Maxwell was honored by Flinn Scholar Maya Ysabella Bustos.
“Ms. Maxwell has inspired my critical thinking, civic engagement, and personal growth. Her influence challenged me beyond the classroom, shaping not just my intellect, but my sense of purpose,” Bustos said.
The Distinguished Educators taught a wide range of subjects including AP Calculus, Honors Microbiology, Art, AP English Language and Composition, AP Chemistry, and Rock & Roll History. The educators included a community college physics professor and Jobs for America’s Graduates specialist.
The 2025 Distinguished Educators are:
Taryn Whelan
AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC, Queen Creek High School
Scholar: Mario Aleman III
Karen Depner
English, Kingman Academy of Learning
Scholar: Jacob Batty
Suzanne Sandler Ungar
Honors English Language and Composition and AP English Language and Composition, BASIS Phoenix
Scholar: Adam Bedeir
Lindsay Quackenbush
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, Sunrise Mountain High School
Scholar: Cianna Brooks
Holly Maxwell
AP English Language and Composition, Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Scholar: Maya Ysabella Bustos
Cheng Tao Yang, Ph.D.
Physics, Pima Community College
Scholar: Tae Esperanza Cooper
Terry Montoya
Art, Morenci High School
Scholar: Roselyn Dorrell
Rachel Summers
Pre-AP World History, AP US History, and AP Government and Politics, Glenview College Preparatory High School
Scholar: Eliut Gonzalez
Jen Hawley
AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition, Prescott High School
Scholar: Malia Hirasa
Michelle Landreville
Honors Principles of Biotechnology, Honors Innovation in Bioscience & Engineering, and Honors Microbiology, Paradise Valley High School
Scholar: Oliver Hoerth
Luke Calhoun
Honors English Language and AP English Literature and Composition
Scholar: Cindy Huang
Melany Coates
Honors Biology, Sunnyside High School
Scholar: Jeanette Mendoza
Sadie Puerner
Honors Chemistry & AP Chemistry, Chaparral High School
Scholar: Iulia Musat
Rachna Nath
Biotechnology 1, Arizona College Prep High School
Scholar: Jishnu Nayak
Maureen Sullivan
English & College Counseling, BASIS Chandler
Scholar: Smilangi Sidhugari
Adam Reeck
AP Human Geography & AP Seminar, Blue Ridge High School
Scholar: Grace Smithson
Amy Wall
AP World History, Gilbert Classical Academy
Scholar: Rati Tabatadze
Nick Leonardi
Honors Chemistry & AP Chemistry, BASIS Peoria
Scholar: Sudeep Vattikuti
Christian Luke Ottinger
Choir, Piano, and Rock & Roll History, Marcos de Niza High School
Scholar: Johanna Villanueva
Melanie Hale
English, Heritage Academy Mesa
Scholar: Alejandro Zayas Abril
The merit-based Flinn Scholarship, now in its 40th year, is supported by the Flinn Foundation in partnership with Arizona’s three state universities. Its value, which includes the cost of tuition, fees, housing, meals, and at least two study-abroad experiences, exceeds $135,000.
More than 1,100 high-school seniors applied for the 2025 Flinn Scholarship. The 20 selected Scholars join a supportive community and network of nearly 750 current and alumni Flinn Scholars.
Read more:
40 years of Flinn Scholars: Meet the Class of 2025
Meet the 2025 Flinn Scholars
About the Flinn Foundation
The Flinn Foundation is a Phoenix-based privately endowed, philanthropic grantmaking organization established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn that awards grants and operates programs in four areas: the biosciences, the Flinn Scholars, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership. The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.