Students Rhea (top left), Amelia (top right), and Marisa (bottom left) earned prestigious scholarships from the Maricopa Community Colleges District.
At GateWay Community College, student success isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared commitment. This year, that commitment is shining brightly through three exceptional Honors Program students who have earned some of the most prestigious scholarships across the Maricopa Community Colleges District. From academic excellence to service-driven ambition, these students represent the very best of what it means to be part of the GateWay community.
Each spring, only a select few students across the district are chosen for top Honors scholarships. This year, three GateWay students rose to the top—each earning recognition for their hard work, leadership, and dedication to their future careers in healthcare.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient: Amelia Lynn Cooney, Occupational Therapy Assisting (OTA), 4.0 GPA
- Foundation Scholarship Recipient: Marisa Isabelle Corbin, Physical Therapy Assisting (PTA), 3.97 GPA
- Dougherty Foundation Scholarship Recipient: Rhea Angelita Usigan, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), 3.8 GPA
These awards are more than financial support—they are a reflection of each student’s commitment to excellence, critical thinking, and meaningful impact.
As the recipient of the prestigious Chancellor’s Honors Scholarship, Amelia Lynn Cooney exemplifies what it means to lead with both intellect and heart. A 4.0 student who graduated with Highest Distinction in Speech and Hearing Science, Amelia has consistently demonstrated excellence in and out of the classroom.
Her journey is defined by service. From her time as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, where she was named Sea Cadet of the Year, to her current work supporting adults with disabilities and helping train future nurses as a standardized patient, Amelia’s path has always centered on helping others.
Now enrolled in GateWay’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, she is driven by a clear purpose: to one day earn her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and serve veterans and individuals recovering from trauma, injury, and addiction. Through the Honors Program, she has strengthened her research, communication, and clinical understanding, building a foundation for a career rooted in compassion and impact.
For Marisa Isabelle Corbin, a passion for patient care started early and continues to grow. As a student in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, she has already gained hands-on experience working as a Physical Therapy Technician—an opportunity that solidified her commitment to helping others regain mobility and independence.
After graduating high school early, Marisa began her college journey with determination and focus, supported by the President’s Honor Scholarship and her involvement in the Honors Program. Her academic success, reflected in her 3.97 GPA, is matched by her drive to make a difference in the lives of her future patients.
Marisa plans to complete her degree, pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination, and step into a career where compassionate, high-quality care is needed most.
Rhea Angelita Usigan’s path to Diagnostic Medical Sonography is fueled by both academic excellence and a deep sense of purpose. An Honors student and high-achieving scholar, Rhea has maintained an impressive GPA while preparing for entry into one of GateWay’s most competitive healthcare programs.
Her long-term goal is to specialize in obstetric ultrasound, supporting families during some of life’s most meaningful moments with accuracy, empathy, and professionalism.
Through the Honors Program, Rhea has sharpened her research and communication skills while building connections that will support her future in healthcare. Her dedication reflects a commitment not just to her education, but to the patients and families she hopes to serve.
Amelia, Marisa, and Rhea are more than scholarship recipients, they are future healthcare professionals, leaders, and changemakers. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. At GateWay, we celebrate their achievements not only for what they’ve accomplished, but for the lives they will impact in the years ahead.