San Miguel Senior Awarded Dorrance Scholarship

We're so proud of Alexa Murillo was named as a recipient of the Dorrance Scholarship!

The Dorrance Scholarship is awarded to students attending one of Arizona's state universities. This opportunity is valued at more than $100,000 and provides both mentoring and travel opportunities.

Our Vipers are on a roll: This marks the third year in a row, and 4th time overall, that a San Miguel student has received this recognition.

San Miguel senior Alexa Murillo has been named as a recipient of the Dorrance Scholarship. The Dorrance Scholarship is awarded to students attending one of Arizona's state universities. This opportunity is valued at more than $100,000 and provides both mentoring and travel opportunities. This marks the third year in a row, and 4th time overall, that a San Miguel student has received this recognition. 


Congratulations, Alexa!


Keep reading for a Q&A with Alexa about the application process, her experience as a student, and her advice for younger students.

Q: What was the application process for the Dorrance Scholarship like?

Alexa: The application process for the Dorrance Scholarship was separated into three different parts. As for the first part, the online application was fairly easy because it asked basic demographic questions, asked to list our activities as well as our volunteer involvement. The second part was a more in depth application that asked a few 250 word essay questions, short answer responses like "What is your favorite movie?" or "Who is your role model?" and concluded with a 500-800 word essay on the question "What are we in control of?" Finally, the last part of the application was an interview with the Dorrance committee in Tempe, AZ.


Q: What is something you are proud of yourself for accomplishing while a student at San Miguel? 

Alexa: Something I am really proud of accomplishing as a San Miguel student is receiving this scholarship itself because of all the hard work it took beforehand in completing the different applications and preparing for my interview. I am also proud of this accomplishment because of the endless opportunities it will give me after high school and in my journey throughout college. 


Q: What is something you are especially looking forward to in college? 

Alexa: One specific thing I am really looking forward to in college is studying abroad with this scholarship program. There is a study abroad program offered in my sophomore year of college where I get to travel all over Italy, learn the language, and learn the culture, so I am excited to pursue this opportunity. 


Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a younger San Miguel student? 

Alexa: The advice I would give to a younger San Miguel student is to not be afraid to take advantage of all the different opportunities SMHS can give you. Sometimes it might be intimidating or it might seem like a lot of work, but it is important to use all resources at hand because they can bring you limitless opportunities. All the hard work you put in now will definitely be worth it in the end so put in the effort now and it will pay you back later. 


#alumni #dorrance #scholarships #striving #achieving #congratulations