Meet the 2026 Recipients
The Deloitte Foundation Arizona Scholars program benefits five O’Connor Institute Ambassador high school seniors from Arizona who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills, and civics knowledge. This page provides an overview and requirements for this opportunity.
Anastasia Bradley, of Tucson, Arizona
Anastasia has pursued leadership opportunities through her engagement with the Teen Court program, to which she has devoted approximately 415 hours since 2021. Her leadership activities were evident through her time as president of her school’s book club, where they increased the collection by 800 books. Anastasia also pursued leadership through projects that combine science with communication.
As an illustrator for the Nurse Florence international children’s book series, she created illustrations for eight books that simplify complex medical topics for young readers. As an editor for the Nurse Dorothea series, she contributed to efforts that strengthen teens’ understanding of mental health.
She plans to attend Arizona University in the fall.
Lily Piepenbrink, of Chandler, Arizona
A big part of Lily’s community service involvement and leadership development was through the National Charity League (NCL), which she has been a member of for the past 6 years. The NCL core pillars are Philanthropy, Leadership, and Culture. Through NCL, she had the opportunity to grow in leadership skills and to get involved with various nonprofit organizations and serve in her local community.
Lily’s favorite volunteer opportunities have been i.d.e.a. Museum, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), United Food Bank, the Chandler Public Library, and Recreation and Development for Individuals with Disabilities (RAD). She values these volunteering opportunities because they allow her to feel connected with her community. Lily earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 100+ service hours three years in a row.
She plans to attend Mercer University.
Jose Sandoval, of Mesa, Arizona
Jose earned the prestigious Boy Scout rank of Eagle Scout and continues to provide leadership to his Boy Scout Troop. He also volunteers at Jose’s Closet, a non-profit organization that provides affordable clothing and food to foster families.
Jose offered this reflection, “Whether it was hanging clothes on hangers or sorting food into refrigerators, I felt grateful to have an opportunity to serve others in my community. Just like serving as a scout leader, my time as a volunteer at Jose’s Closet has made me feel part of a greater effort to help those who are in need.” Leadership has been a common thread that connects his service to the community.
He plans to attend Grand Canyon University and has been accepted into the GCU Honors College.
Lucas Tam, of Chandler, Arizona
Lucas has been dedicated to helping the community in various ways through the Swift Youth Foundation. He helped organize monthly fundraising drives, each one focused on a different need: books one month, shoes the next, then food, then school supplies. Every month brought a new challenge, a new group of people to coordinate, and a new reminder of why the work mattered.
In Lucas’s words, “What I’m most proud of isn’t any single drive or donation number. It’s the fact that I showed up, month after month, and kept asking: ‘What does this community need right now?’ That question taught me to listen before I act, to see service not as a one-size-fits-all gesture but as something that had to be responsive and specific.”
He plans to attend the University of California, Irvine.