Elly Schreur, Payson High School Graduate, May 2019
When Elly Schreur graduated from Payson High School (PHS) in 2019, she was off to Northern Arizona University (NAU) with most of her prerequisite classes covered through dual enrollment coursework completed at PHS and thoughts of eventually pursuing a law degree. “I had a passion to make the community where I live a better place,” she explained, “and I thought pursuing a degree in law would be the way to go.” But COVID changed things, and when she was notified during her first spring break at NAU that courses would be moved online, she left Flagstaff and returned to Payson.
“I was fortunate because through the Aspire program, all my prerequisites were completed except for one science course. And that showed that I was serious about my education, so I received other scholarships covering all my school expenses except housing,” she said.
When the coursework was moved online, Elly decided to remove the housing expense and move back to Payson and complete her college work from home. She completed her NAU degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology, in 3 years while working for Payson’s Stodghill Trucking and Excavating, where she managed the HR and hiring department. “They were wonderful to me in so many ways, including being flexible with my academic schedule,” she said.
With her return to Payson, she realized her desire to make her community a better place could be done through working with members of the community. “I was introduced to Axis Culture Group by my roommate. They connect the community, build worthwhile relationships, and do so much to benefit local businesses and nonprofits that when they asked me to join their team, and impact the community that raised me, I was thrilled.” But she did not forget what Stodghill did for her and stayed for five months to train her replacement after beginning her work with Axis.
She has now been with Axis Culture Group for 3 years. She addressed the current Aspire Scholars at the annual breakfast at The Rim Club in 2024. “Remember, with the foundation you’ve built here…with the tools you have developed with the help of the donors to Aspire Arizona Foundation, there is nothing you can’t achieve. Show your gratitude and be humble but be proud.”
Lizbeth Reyes Dominguez, Payson High School Graduate, May 2025
Lizbeth had not thought much about taking dual enrollment courses until her best friend, Taryn Ashby, talked her into taking a calculus course with her during their sophomore year at Payson High School (PHS). And the rest of the story is amazing.
Lizbeth, one of four $5,000 Aspire Scholarship recipients in 2025, will complete her senior year at PHS with 53 college credits she earned with the assistance of Aspire Arizona Foundation’s Dual Enrollment Program. And when she enrolls in the Dental Hygiene program at Northern Arizona University (NAU) next Fall, she will be the first in her family to embark on a college education.
“After that first course, I focused on the sciences because I knew I wanted to go into the dental hygiene field and lots of science is needed,” she recalls.
Studies were not all that occupied Liz’s time at PHS. She was vice president on the Executive Board for the Student Government; participated in DECA, a student-led organization focused on developing emerging leaders; and logged hundreds of hours of volunteer service in the community. And she managed all that while sneaking in a little pickleball with friends and working a variety of jobs at local businesses like Chipotle, Starbucks and Culver’s.
Like other Aspire scholars, she also feels that the dual enrollment coursework gave her some advantage in receiving additional scholarship support. “I think having that many credits may have helped me stand out when applying for other scholarships,” she noted. She has already received the Lumberjack Scholarship at NAU that will cover her tuition while the Dorrance Scholarship will help with other expenses.
“I also plan to continue working in college, so I do not have to take out student loans,” she said. “My parents will support me in any way they can, but they are both self-employed, which can be unstable during some seasons.”
“I can’t thank the donors to Aspire enough for making this opportunity available to me. These classes I took in high school have provided me with a solid foundation to continue my education,” she added.
Alison Nordquist, Payson High School Dual Enrollment Instructor
What inspired you to become a math teacher, and how long have you been teaching at Payson High School?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I played “class” with friends and a giant whiteboard. Initially, I wanted to teach English, but AP courses changed my mind. In high school, I took “Toro Teachers of Tomorrow,” a course that introduced me to teaching. I was already a preschool teacher assistant and chose to intern in a middle school math class. I struggled with math growing up. Placement issues put me in a higher-level class than I was ready for, and I spent years mimicking my teachers without understanding. In AP Calculus my senior year, things finally clicked. I remember my engineer father spending nights trying to help me grasp algebra. That lightbulb moment is something I love seeing in my students.
I started teaching in 2010 and joined Payson High School in 2011. In 2015, I moved to the college but continue teaching dual enrollment math.
What do you enjoy most about teaching dual-credit math classes?
Dual-credit math is incredibly useful. Students see how everything they’ve learned applies to real-world situations. They also build a strong academic foundation for trade school, college, or life.
How do dual-credit math courses differ from traditional high school math?
Students earn both high school and college credit, but the bigger difference is the workload. It helps them adjust to college expectations in a supportive environment.
What are some challenges students face in these courses?
Many struggle with personal responsibility—college courses put the onus on the student. I guide them by ensuring they know about tutoring resources, offering soft due dates, and clearly posting expectations.
Can you share a success story about a student who benefited from dual-credit math?
So many students have returned to say, “Mrs. Nordquist, I didn’t even have to take math in college because I took it with you!” or “I watched my roommate struggle in Stats, but I didn’t need the class thanks to dual enrollment!”
Students truly appreciate dual credit after they graduate. We tell them the benefits, but they don’t fully understand until they experience it. Some of my favorite moments are hearing from former students who are ahead because of this program.
What skills or confidence do students gain from these courses?
For many, this is their first real academic challenge. It teaches them how to adapt, study effectively, and ask for help. That experience gives them confidence to take on more difficult courses later.
Why is the dual-credit program important for Payson High School and the community?
Dual enrollment and the Aspire funding allow all students to try college courses. They gain confidence in their ability to succeed academically, which opens doors for their future.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching dual-credit math?
I love showing students that they can succeed in college-level coursework.
What advice would you give to students considering dual-credit courses?
Take the class—even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Aspire’s dual credit program is an incredible opportunity. You never know where life will take you, so why limit your options? Dual credit is a safe way to experience college with extra support in a smaller class setting.