Letters from Scholars
Sam Cancio
Former Dining Room Server,
Current Pilot
Good Evening Maravilla Residents,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Sam Cancio, a former server at the Ironwood Grille, and a recipient of the Maravilla Scholarship for 3 years. I worked in the restaurant from 2018-2021 but had to leave because of training. Some of you might still remember me but some may not.
The purpose of this email is to thank you all for the scholarship and commend the program for it has changed multiple lives of young individuals like me who have hopes of becoming someone someday. I pursued flight training with dreams of obtaining licenses to become a pilot and eventually (hopefully) land a job in the airlines. After 2 and a half years of flight training, I finished the course about 4 months ago and currently hold 7 licenses including Commercial Pilot Certificate for both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. At the same time, I am also now a Certified Flight Instructor. Currently, I work as an instructor in a flight school at Deer Valley Airport as I build my flight hours to be eventually qualified for the airlines.
Again, my heart is full of gratitude and the word “Thank you” is not enough to return back all of your good deeds toward all employees of Maravilla. Sincerely yours, Sam
Jel De Jesus
I am deeply grateful for the continuous support I’ve received from the Maravilla Scholarship Fund. As an employee of Maravilla for the past six years, the residents’ generosity has not only eased the financial burden of my tuition but also allowed me to graduate debt-free with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Starting with an associate degree in business from Paradise Valley Community College, I later transitioned to physical therapy and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Arizona State University in December 2024. Thanks to the residents’ kindness, I now have the opportunity to further my education and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at Northern Arizona University.
Looking back, I can truly say that the residents’ contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on my success, and I am forever thankful for their support.
Oscar Johnson
Words cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel toward your generous donations to my education and future. Because of you I have been able to achieve my goal of gaining a higher education. Because of you I have been able to navigate every obstacle that has been put in front of me through my academic journey.
When I graduate, I will begin my career as a construction manager, and it will be because of you and your generosity that I will be able to do so. One thing I will always remember from my time under the Maravilla Education Fund will be the never-ending flood of generosity, advice and encouragement from you, the residents. Thank you.