Awards Fund
The Flagstaff Sports Foundation has established a set of awards for seniors graduating from Flagstaff's schools, as sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association:
--Northland Preparatory Academy
These awards are given with the blessings of the principals and athletic directors from both schools. Coaches and teachers will be consulted to vouch for nominated student-athletes.
To qualify for these grants, a student must have
--Attained at least a "C" average, preferably a GPA of 2.5 or greater.
--Demonstrated personal improvement over the course of their high school careers. This may include, but is not limited to, academic improvement, community participation, extracurricular activities, and leadership through personal example.
--Presented themselves as leaders on their teams and in their schools. Such leadership traits should be seen through a consistent work ethic and an ability to help and inspire teammates and classmates.
--Hardships to overcome. This award is designated for students facing challenging circumstances in their personal lives. These challenges may be financial, familial, physical, social, or any other similar obstacles.
100% of your generous contribution will help buy meal plans, books, and/or tuition for these outstanding student athletes who are moving on to trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities.
If you would like to donate to the Foundation and specifically give to this and other awards, click the button below, then click the Description box for a pulldown of options.
NOTE: There will be a 3.5% surcharge for each transaction.
The Flagstaff Sports Foundation Excellence Award
2025 Excellence Award Recipients
STEPHEN DICK
Stephen Barclay Dick is an amazing example of resilience, selflessness, and team spirit. During a summer weightlifting session, he unexpectedly collapsed -- a moment that led to the shocking discovery of a brain tumor.
Undergoing surgery and a long recovery process, Stephen showed incredible strength and determination, eventually returning to the team, not that he ever left, as he was our greatest supporter and teammate.
Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Stephen selflessly chose not something for himself, but new helmets for his entire football team, demonstrating his deep love for his teammates and the game. After graduating from high school, he is pursuing a career as a paramedic, determined to help others just as so many have helped him.
~Jeannine Brandel, Athletic Director, Flagstaff High School
CIARA GARCIA
Ciara as a teammate was a joy to see because she seemed happy to be recognized by her peers as a teammate and a classmate in school I would see other teammates and greet each other with good energy and she would always talk well of her other teammates weather it would be about the games or just their character in general and seem to enjoy their company especially on the away games.
As a classmate I am honestly unsure because she had a lot on her plate with trying to stay focused on keeping her grades up and to be at practice every day and having a part time job at Dunkin Donuts. But not wanting to let her team down and herself down she showed up to execute every task from school to soccer and work. So I feel she was a leader as a classmate in that sense and though she struggled to make it to class on time every time she showed up with intention and made it count.
Ciara is a warrior in my eyes, not to be bias as she is my daughter, because she dealt with a lot in high school from the passing of her mother a few years ago and trying to find herself as all teenagers do in high school with so much pressure on them to do good in school in sports and in life but she did it gracefully and with a smile though there was a mixture of from pain, happiness, and struggle she kept going strong and I think soccer, her team mates and the support she received from school, family and friends made her into a warrior with a big heart not only for herself but for others. So I am grateful for love for soccer and the character it gave her.
~Nate Garcia, Father
FERNANDO RAMIREZ
Fernando Ramirez was born and raised in Flagstaff Arizona, playing football since the age of 6 where his love for the sport began. During his Senior season at Coconino High School, Fernando Ramirez faced one of the toughest challenges of his life — the loss of his beloved great-aunt, "Nina". The loss hit him and his family extremely hard and in the midst of grief, he struggled to see a path forward. But over time, Fernando found strength in the memory of her unwavering belief in him. He realized she wouldn’t have wanted him to give up on his dreams.
Motivated by her spirit, Fernando recommitted himself — pushing harder than ever both mentally and physically. That dedication paid off. Fernando went on to rush for over 1,110 yards and 17 TDs his senior season leading Coconino to the 4A state playoffs. Fernando won the Outstanding Panther Award at the city championship game vs Flagstaff High School, rushing for 138 yards and 2 TDs. Fernando also went on to win the prestigious 2024 Ed Doherty medallion award.
Fernando has been recruited to play college football for the Salt River Scorpions, where he will study Sports Medicine while continuing to chase his goals on the field and in the classroom.
Fernando’s story is one of perseverance, love, and resilience — a true example of Panther Pride and what it means to rise above.
~Kyle Hofmann, Athletic Director, Coconino High School
KAIYA TATE
Kaiya Tate's journey is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and heart. Diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced not only the emotional weight of her illness, but the isolation that came with it. What began as abdominal pain was ultimately diagnosed as a germ cell tumor, leading to months of chemotherapy and surgery.
Once a standout on the basketball court, Kaiya was forced to step back from playing and take on a new role. Though sidelined, she didn't walk away -- instead, she stepped up as the team manager, becoming a steady, positive force for her teammates.
Through effort and determination, Kaiya earned her spot on the varsity teamand played a meaningful role in the team's journey to a 4A state championship. Though the battle with cancer changed her, it also revealed her deeper strength -- the kind of leadership that inspires through presence, perseverance, and heart.
Kaiya's bright smile, unwavering spirit, and iconic pink beanie became symbols of hope and unity for everyone around her. Her journey is far from over -- she continues to face lasting challenges, including the possibility of not having children -- but she meets each new obstacle with the same resilience that carried her through her toughest battles.
Kaiya leaves behind a legacy -- not just as a basketball player, but as a teammate, a friend, and an inspiration. Her story reminds us all that strength is more than physical -- it's about showing up, lifting others, and never giving up.
~Jeannine Brandel, Athletic Director, Flagstaff High School
