Mountain View student lands coveted Flinn Scholarship
Alex Roesler, Mountain View High School senior, is among Arizona's 22 Flinn Scholars. Alex will receive an in-state college scholarship and additional educational benefits worth more than $100,000.
Mountain View's Alex Roesler will use his Flinn Scholarship to pursue a world-class undergraduate college education.
As a Flinn Scholar, Alex will attend Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. He'll major in biochemistry, and minor in Spanish and math.
Then, it's off to medical school. Alex wants to be a clinician and medical researcher, specializing in neurological phenomena, traumatic brain injuries and degenerative diseases.
'I've never met a more focused, determined, tenacious young man'
Beginning in junior high, Alex's summer vacations included biomedical and neuroscience classes at Johns Hopkins and Loyola Marymount universities. His summer research internships at ASU's Biodesign Institute and Center for Innovations in Medicine earned him rave reviews.
At Mountain View, Alex has a remarkable record of academic achievements, athletic championships, leadership positions and community improvement projects.
Cheryl Breiland chairs Mountain View's Counseling Department. The Flinn Foundation honored her as a 2012 Distinguished Educator.
It's no surprise that Cheryl Breiland, Alex's counselor, calls him a superstar! Alex chose Breiland as a Distinguished Educator. Both were honored May 13 at this year's Flinn banquet in Phoenix, where the teenagers recognized their most influential teachers.
"Mrs. Breiland has provided instrumental encouragement, mentorship and support so I could pursue the academic, extracurricular and scientific passions that define who I am as an individual and a scholar,” Alex said.
"This is my 28th year in Mesa Public Schools, Breiland said. "I've never met a more focused, determined, tenacious young man. I'm honored to work at an incredible school with the most amazing students, administrators, teachers and counselors.
"I have the best job! I can't think of anything more satisfying than working with young people as they choose and refine their plans for the future."
Flinn Scholarship benefits abound
- a three-week seminar this summer, for all 2012 Flinn Scholars, in Central Europe
- a three-day retreat at Arizona's Lost Canyon, where new and continuing Flinn Scholars kick off each academic year with fun, friendship and educational workshops
- free tuition, room and board at ASU, NAU or UofA
- a stipend for at least one summer, semester or year at a foreign university
- senior-faculty mentors and Flinn mentors who help students navigate the university, and pursue research and internship opportunities, jobs, graduate schools and competitive fellowships
- activities with national and world leaders in any area — from cultural affairs to public policy
- a wealth of extracurricular opportunities that center on all aspects of campus and community life