Two Near You Network students selected as 2024-2025 Daina Powell Memorial Scholarship Recipients
The University of Arizona Outreach, Distance, and Continuing Education is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Daina Powell Memorial Scholarship, awarded to exceptional students enrolled in the university’s distance education programs. This scholarship, established to honor the legacy of Daina Powell, provides vital financial support to students committed to achieving academic excellence while overcoming personal and professional challenges.
This year, the scholarships were awarded to two outstanding students who embody the spirit of perseverance and dedication: Aziel Koski, a graduate student in the School Psychology program at the Near You Network Chandler location, and Carina Ocampo, a Master of Science in Nursing student at the Near You Network Gilbert location.
Aziel Koski – School Psychology, Chandler
Aziel Koski, a working father and graduate student in Chandler, expressed his deep gratitude for receiving the Daina Powell Memorial Scholarship, describing how it has eased the burden of balancing family obligations with the demands of his academic journey.
“Words are insufficient to express my sincerest gratitude for receiving the Daina Powell Memorial Scholarship,” Koski shared. “As a working father in a graduate program, I find my time and finances consistently at a crossroads, having to choose between the needs of my family and the demands of my program. Your support helps me access statewide and national organizational materials, and I will be able to access greater professional, scholarly, and research resources."
Koski, who has worked in education for a decade, is passionate about expanding his competencies in school psychology to better support students facing significant mental health challenges. “For most K-12 students, the psychological and mental health services they receive in school will be the only time they receive this type of support in their lifetime. I am thankful for the opportunity to step into this challenging role where the need is great, and the needed staff is severely lacking.”
Carina Ocampo – Nursing, Gilbert
Carina Ocampo, a first-generation American and college student from the Near You Network Gilbert location, also expressed her deep appreciation for the scholarship. She is pursuing her master’s degree in nursing, with a dedication to providing critical care to vulnerable populations.
“I am deeply honored to be a recipient of this generous scholarship and would like to share how much it means to me and my journey,” Ocampo stated. “As a first-generation American and college student, education has always held a special place in my heart. Neither of my parents completed elementary school, but I have embraced this journey with determination, persistence, and faith.”
Ocampo works at Jacob’s Hope, a newborn rehabilitation center for babies with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. “While this work can be emotionally and physically challenging, it is immensely rewarding,” she explained. “Your scholarship will greatly ease my financial burdens, enabling me to devote more time and energy to my studies and clinical training.”
Both recipients exemplify the impact of the Daina Powell Memorial Scholarship, helping dedicated students reach their professional goals and make a lasting difference in their fields. The University of Arizona remains committed to supporting its students, especially those who strive to transform their communities.