Tuition waivers, valued at over $20,000, have been awarded to seven students from Northland Pioneer College (NPC) to complete their bachelor’s degrees at one of Arizona’s three public universities. For the past 29 years, the Arizona Board of Regents has awarded waivers for up to 60 credits to top-performing students from the state’s community college districts to encourage them to finish their education as members of the All-Arizona Academic Team. To be eligible, a student must have a cumulative 3.5 or higher grade-point average, be working toward an associate degree, and demonstrate college or community volunteerism and leadership.
Receiving tuition waivers are NPC students Samantha Gonzalez-Zuniga and Amber Thompson of Show Low, Dylan Hatch and Micah Salazar of Snowflake, Pamela Bishop and Christyana Serna of Holbrook, and Charis Johnson of Taylor. These students will also receive individual cash scholarship awards from NPC.
Samantha Gonzalez-Zuniga began her journey with NPC in high school through the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT). She was one of the first students to enroll in NPC’s recently formed Administration of Justice Studies program. The program offers a career pathway option independent of NPC’s peace officer AZPOST training, which prepares students to serve as sworn police officers. The program supports degree-seeking students who wish to continue their education in judicial and law enforcement studies.
For Samantha, NPC’s justice studies program fit perfectly. She is determined to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and contribute positively to the community. Over the past five years, she has actively served in programs that support public safety, community service, and civic engagement. During her sophomore year of high school, she participated in Navajo County’s teen court program as a peer juror. The program is a restorative justice diversion route for teen defendants who are involved in misdemeanor offenses. She explained, “The experience taught me about accountability, fairness, and the importance of helping others understand the consequences of their actions. My role required active listening, critical thinking, and impartial judgment,” she said. Samantha was also involved in the Show Low Police Department’s junior cadet program. She earned the rank of sergeant, taking a leadership role to inspire fellow cadets, engage in public safety initiatives, and foster teamwork. She also served in the Civil Air Patrol as a Cadet Airman First Class, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and actively volunteered at Show Low’s public library.
Samantha takes pride in her determination and perseverance. “I like pushing myself. I won’t give up. When I start something, I am determined to see things through.” A 2024 honors graduate of Show Low High School, she will earn her associate’s degree from NPC this spring at the top of her class. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She hopes to one day work as a crime scene investigator. “It is something I think I would enjoy doing,” she said. “I have a knack for problem-solving and a strong intuition,” she said. “Sometimes I know things before they actually happen.”
All-AZ recipient Amber Thompson never imagined she would go back to school. But, after facing extreme hardships, including divorce, the tragic death of her second husband, and the loss of two of her siblings, she set out on a path to persevere against the odds. “It was one of the most challenging times in my life,” she said. The then single mother of three found herself working four jobs while trying her best to raise healthy, happy children. “I knew I didn’t want to continue struggling. I needed a career that offered stability and multiple avenues for growth.” So, she dug deep, pulled herself up, and told herself, “Challenge accepted.”
Amber enrolled in NPC’s nursing program. “I was honestly terrified,” she said. “I hadn’t really thrived in high school. It was difficult for me. For some reason, it just doesn’t come naturally,” she explained. “I knew I would have to work twice as hard as other people to get through.” She did, and she thrived. “I worked hard to get good grades and prove to myself that I am capable and intelligent.” She will graduate from NPC’s nursing program this spring at the top of her class. Amber has also remarried and is raising her children alongside a loving husband who is her biggest fan. She is currently completing an externship at Summit Healthcare. “I fell in love with the ER,” she said. “I enjoy helping others and caring for them. I strive to treat them as individuals and show compassion in my care for them.”
Amber plans to continue her studies and transfer to Arizona State University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She said, “It took determination and grit, but I realized that I am stronger than I ever realized and that perseverance truly pays off. It has been very rewarding. I picked myself up from rock bottom, and I am determined to keep moving forward.”
Fellow All-AZ awardee Charis Johnson’s future is taking flight on and off the stage. She is currently studying performing arts at NPC and will earn her associate’s degree this spring with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to continue her studies. “I have been drawn to performing arts since childhood,” she said. “I love every bit of any kind of art, but there is something special about performing it. The connection to the audience, the vulnerability, the stories told. I love it,” she said. Although she recognizes the challenge of making it “big” as an actress, she has never wavered in her passion. “I changed my major several times trying to find something that excited me as much as acting,” she explained. “But nothing does. So, I just decided one day that I didn’t want to pretend anymore. I wasn’t going to keep trying to force myself into doing something I didn’t want to do.” She said, “I love acting. That’s it, and I’m going to do it no matter what.”
Charis recently played the role of Shelby Eaton in NPC’s production of Steel Magnolias and is currently rehearsing for NPC’s upcoming production of Emma. She successfully fought and conquered her stage fright and has excelled in the roles she has played. In her spare time, in addition to polishing her performances, Charis flies airplanes. She is close to completing her pilot’s license. When it comes to her future, the sky is the limit. “I feel like I can do anything now. I have so much room to grow. I can’t wait to see where my passion will take me.”
Scholarship recipient Micah Salazar is passionate about helping others. She had always seen herself pursuing a healthcare career. However, the loving mother of three refocused that calling when one of her children was born with hearing loss. “It inspired me to redirect my path to early childhood education and working with children, particularly those who are underprivileged or developmentally challenged,” she said. “I've learned how to support my daughter and advocate for her needs. I've also seen how hard she works to overcome challenges. Watching her confidence grow has been incredibly inspiring. It's given me a deeper understanding of the effort many children put in every day just to learn, communicate, and feel included.”
Micah juggles raising her children while maintaining her grades and educational goals. She often does so on her own. Her husband is a wildland firefighter and is regularly called away to assignments for long periods of time. “It was difficult at first,” she admits. “With no family support, I felt especially overwhelmed,” she said. But she persevered. “Juggling all the commitments on my own has deepened my sense of resilience and accomplishment.”
Micah has consistently maintained academic excellence and will earn her associate’s degree in early childhood education from NPC this spring. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to continue her studies and eventually earn a master’s degree with an emphasis in special education. “I would love to work with children in a first-grade setting, where I can help build a strong foundation during a critical stage in their development. I hope to provide my students with the same encouragement and consistency that I strive to provide for my own family.”
Awardee Pamela Bishop is also passionate about education. She works with a variety of learners. She is currently a tutor at Northland Pioneer College (NPC) and assists students needing to brush up on their skills, who are re-entering college, or are working on earning their High School Equivalency (GED®). She said, “I feel connected to these students. They are transforming their lives through education just like I did.” An adult learner herself, Pamela initially felt intimidated by the thought of going back to school. However, with the support of her sons and her wife, Tiffani, who is an NPC alumna, she found the strength to step back into the classroom. “I believe in the power of family, the importance of education and compassion, and that life is best spent uplifting those around you,” she said.
Improving the lives of others is Pamela’s goal. After recognizing a need for connection and belonging among NPC students, she began getting involved in student clubs. She is currently the president of NPC’s Student Government Association and the college’s Eagle Club, which focuses on exploring different cultural values, traditions, and beliefs while building leadership skills, teamwork, and self-awareness. She also regularly helps coordinate and volunteer at St. Mary’s Food Bank box distribution events. “We must find ways to ensure that students receive the support they need to complete their education,” she said. “It can be especially difficult in the rural areas of Northeast Arizona, where so many communities are underserved and in need.”
Pamela has faced struggles related to abuse, poverty, and discrimination, and understands the barriers students face to earn an education. “I work every day to help improve and increase the support they receive, in and out of the classroom. I want them to know that their needs, their voices, matter too.”
Pamela will earn her associate’s degree this spring from NPC and plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to earn her bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree. She plans to continue her work advocating for students in Northern Arizona.
Fellow All-AZ Academic team scholar Christyana Serna is also a current employee at NPC. She works as a clerk in NPC’s financial aid office. She is a cosmetology student and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree this past fall. A dedicated, high achiever, Christyana plans to continue her studies at either Northern Arizona University or Arizona State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in business.
Christyana plans to follow the footsteps of her grandmother, who owned and operated a successful beauty salon in the Holbrook area for many years. “I have a passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful,” she said. “Growing up watching my grandmother and spending time in her salon made me want to be just like her,” she said. “She inspired me to help people feel better about themselves, whether it be through beauty services or by simply being a good listener and friend. My goal is to practice cosmetology and provide outstanding service, build strong client relationships, and make people feel welcomed and cared for. I want to create an open, welcoming space for my community.”
Dylan Hatch is NPC’s final All-AZ Academic team awardee. He is the eldest of four siblings and has taken on the responsibility of helping guide and care for them. He is deeply committed to his family and strives to set a good example for his siblings. “I hope that I can inspire them to do things they love in their pursuit of education,” he said. Dylan has a passion for mathematics and is fascinated by logic and how it applies to everyday tasks and life. He is also keenly aware of the importance of self-care. “I make sure to pay close attention to my mental, physical and spiritual health so that I can better serve my family and community,” he said.
Dylan is currently a math tutor at NPC and enjoys teaching and helping others. He plans to continue his education and transfer to the University of Arizona. For Dylan, the pursuit of education is a way to find himself. “I love learning and enjoy discovering more about the world around me and more about myself.” He would like to eventually earn a doctoral degree and teach others in a university setting. “I want to make a difference in the world and help apply my work to real-world problem-solving.” He laughed, “Perhaps MIT is in my future.”
These NPC students, along with other top community college scholars from around the state, will be honored at a luncheon and awards presentation held in their honor on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Mesa, AZ.
To learn more about NPC’s All-AZ academic team program, details on the scholarship, and a complete list of past NPC recipients, visit www.npc.edu/all-az.
