Scholarships
Taeya Dickamore
Taeya Dickamore (’27) received the David A. Paige Foundation’s 2026 spring semester scholarship. Like David A. Paige, Taeya is a first-generation law student who “entered law school with a strong sense of purpose.” The David A. Paige Foundation admires Taeya’s motivation to be “capable, disciplined, ethical, and understanding” and her appreciation for the opportunity that law school gives her to utilize her abilities to benefit the lives of others.
Taeya is actively involved with many student organizations and served as a 2L Writer and Senior Marketing Editor for the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law. Taeya is also a Rule 39(c) Certified Limited Practice Law Student in the Veteran’s Advocacy Law Clinic where she represents veteran clients.
“Law school has challenged me to think critically, write precisely, and approach problems with analytic drive and empathy. These experiences are helping me work toward my goal of providing quality representation and ensuring that those I work with feel respected, heard, and supported.
“I worked in Congress prior to attending law school, where I was exposed to the various issues faced by constituents and the legal needs of the community I grew up in. Looking ahead, I will be working this summer for a firm that represents many sectors of the blue-collar community. Growing up in Kentucky shaped my interest in serving individuals who are foundational to the economy but often lack access to specialized legal support.
“I am so grateful and honored to have received the David A. Paige Foundation Scholarship. This support has allowed me to invest more fully in my legal education and pursue opportunities that will help shape my career after graduation. The support from the Foundation has been more than financial— it is a meaningful reminder that the work I aspire to do matters. Because of this scholarship, I am better positioned to pursue experiences that align with my long-term goals.
“This scholarship has lifted a significant financial burden, allowing me to be more present and intentional about my time at James E. Rogers College of Law.”
Kate Mook
Kate Mook (’27) received the David A. Paige Foundation’s 2025 fall semester scholarship. The David A. Paige Foundation recognized Kate’s commitment to service, volunteering, and education. Kate served as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service and a Wildland Firefighter with the Bureau of Land Management. These experiences taught Kate “that public service must be rooted in listening, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of all communities.”
The DAPF’s mission aligns with Kate’s desire to go to law school to work in public interest law where she “plans to take legal action and influence policy to help my community and beyond.” Kate is a first generation law student. The DAPF appreciates her motivation to become a lawyer “to help others—this has been a lifelong goal that has guided every job I have held and every volunteer opportunity I have pursued.”
“I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the David A. Paige Foundation Law Scholarship. When I learned that Mr. Paige’s background not only emphasized helping his community, but he also shared a similar career with me as a firefighter, I felt deeply connected to Mr. Paige and his values. I am honored to walk a path that reflects his legacy.
“I am a proud product of public servants, public schools, and public service, and my life goal is to give back as fully and as far as I can. I knew that the best way to accomplish this goal was to attend law school, so I moved from California to Southern Arizona to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I landed at the James E. Rogers College of Law open to the type of law I wanted to practice, and was met with encouragement from my administrators, professors, and peers to continue working toward a career in public service.
“During my summer work at the Pima County Attorney’s Office in the criminal division, I was inspired by the leaders and litigators who carefully considered the outcomes their decisions would have for both individuals and the community. As a survivor of domestic violence, I felt especially connected to their tireless work to support victims of domestic violence and abuse. Their example strengthened my interest in public service and sparked my growing interest in criminal law.
Additionally, as an associate editor of the Arizona Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, I will also be writing my note on an environmental issue, allowing me to continue advocating for the environment and public lands. Law school has opened another meaningful avenue for me to help and advocate for others, and I look forward to the continued support and inspiration I have received from this community, both on and off campus, as I pursue this career.
“This scholarship provides vital support for my family. Not only does it help with the rising costs of living and childcare, but it also helps us care for our young son’s health. Just a few months before I began law school, we learned that he had severe health issues that would require ongoing treatment and medication. This scholarship helps take care of unexpected costs so I can focus on school and my family.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award. The alignment between my work and Mr. Paige’s legacy means more than I can say, and my family is sincerely grateful for this support.”
Kyle James
Kyle James (’25) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2025 spring semester. The David A. Paige Foundation appreciates Kyle’s dedication to service, most notably his work with refugees in Germany. The DAPF supports his view that “the work of an attorney, whether for the government, a firm, or a solo practitioner, provides a lifelong opportunity for meaningful service each day.”
The DAPF recognizes Kyle’s commitment to his legal education. Kyle is a Note Editor for Arizona Law Review, a Senior Writing Fellow, and received an award for Outstanding Performance in Oral Advocacy. Kyle’s work experience has been broad: working as a summer associate in a large Phoenix law firm, clerking for a federal court judge in Tucson, and working as the Director of Digital Response in the White House.
This quote from Kyle directly aligns with the Foundation’s mission: “My passion for law lies in finding creative ways, within the legal framework, to improve people’s lives.”
“After earning my degree from Southern Virginia University, I worked in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence under both the Trump and Biden administrations. Reading letters and emails from people across the country—expressing gratitude, frustration, ideas, and pleas for help—further solidified my decision to attend law school. At the University of Arizona, I have had the opportunity to represent veterans in criminal court and assist them in obtaining VA benefits. The ability to work one-on-one with individuals in need reminds me of my time serving refugees and responding to letters at the White House. My passion for law lies in finding creative ways, within the legal framework, to improve people’s lives. After graduation, I will be joining Gallagher & Kennedy, a prestigious law firm with a diverse range of practice areas. I am eager to learn from some of the top civil and criminal attorneys in Arizona and to find ways to continue serving the Phoenix community, particularly refugees.
“My wife, Lindsey, and our three-year-old son, Sullivan (Sully), have been essential to my success as a law student. Lindsey works full-time serving the people of Arizona in the Department of Economic Security, and as a result, we have had to spend thousands of dollars each semester on Sully’s childcare. The David A. Paige Foundation scholarship has been an incredible blessing, easing the financial burden and allowing me to focus more on my studies and clients. We are deeply grateful to the David A. Paige Foundation and its donors for making this scholarship possible and for supporting students like me as we pursue our legal education and careers.”
Jasmin Meza
Jasmin Meza (’25) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2024 fall semester. The DAP Foundation supports her motivation to become a lawyer “to help people in my community, including Latinos who share my culture. I feel especially motivated to help people who are low income, are struggling with immigration issues, or who lack a strong family foundation.”
Jasmin has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in her legal studies. In law school, Jasmin’s interests are varied and impactful. In the Child and Family Law Clinic, Jasmin worked on special immigrant juvenile immigration status (SIJS) visa, dependency orders, guardianship, and child agency placement cases. With the Education Advocacy Clinic, she worked to implement policies to more efficiently work with special needs students to provide a safe atmosphere. Jasmin also served her community by volunteering on Keeping Tucson Together, writing immigration appeal motions and highlighting personal stories of various immigrants.
“I am grateful and honored to be a David A. Paige Foundation scholarship recipient. The foundation’s scholarship helps make my last year in law school less of a financial burden. And the foundation’s goal of honoring David’s passion for using law as a tool for fairness and justice strongly aligns with my goal of pursuing a law degree.
“As a first-general law student, my goal in attending law school is to help families and immigrants in the Arizona community during school and after graduation. Thus, I have dedicated my time to serving on the Child and Family Clinic and Education Advocacy Clinic in hopes of directly helping Arizona families. The clinic has been a great experience, where I have had the chance to advocate for children’s rights and needs in court. I have also had the opportunity to work on immigration matters for people in the community through nonprofit work and on a broader basis as an intern for the Department of Justice Immigration Appellate Division. These experiences have motivated me to continue my work and utilize my skills to help others.
“Being a member of the Udall Inn of Court, Arizona Law Review, and school clinics has also allowed me to connect with many attorneys and students who encouraged me throughout law school. Going forward I hope to continue to use this motivation and my legal education to help families in juvenile, family, and immigration court matters.”
Allison Weber
Allison Weber (’24) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2024 spring semester. Allison is a first-generation law student who demonstrated a commitment to excellence in her legal studies. In law school, she has served as a Writing Fellow, participated in several moot court competitions, worked as a research assistant for multiple professors, and interned for the Department of Justice in both the Civil Rights and Antitrust divisions.
Allison’s “purpose of serving my community, securing justice, and helping as many people as I possibly can during my lifetime” directly aligns with the mission of the David A. Paige Foundation. One of Allison’s professors who recommended her for this scholarship shared that “Allison is an excellent student, a person who has long been committed to serving the public interest, and someone who absolutely shares Mr. Paige’s passion for using the law as a tool for achieving greater fairness and justice.”
Allison Weber graduated from Arizona Law in May 2024. Typically up for a new adventure, she has worked at an international school in India, founded a social enterprise in Thailand, and loves hopping on a plane to explore a new country and culture when the opportunity arises. Outside of school, Allison enjoys hiking (especially in the Grand Canyon), swimming, and maintaining the many meaningful friendships she has made with people from around the world.
“Prior to law school, I taught Business Communication and Organizational Behavior at Northern Arizona University and worked in student development at Arizona State University. However, my favorite role was developing a coffee shop to provide job training for women in Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, I serve on the Board of Directors for an organization that provides educational opportunities for girls and young women in Bangladesh, a country with one of the highest rates of child marriage. It is these experiences that drew me to apply for the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship, and I feel deeply connected to the legacy of lifelong service and giving that Mr. Paige left behind. Also, The David A. Paige Foundation scholarship allowed me to take on multiple unpaid internships throughout my law school career.”
After graduation, Allison will clerk for Judge Staring on the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division 2 and then hopes to use her legal education to practice civil rights law in some capacity.
Samantha Barrera
Samantha Barrera (’25) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2023 fall semester. The Foundation recognized her academic excellence, commitment to her family and community, and her selfless nature. Samantha excelled academically in her first year of law school. As a mother of two young children, Samantha researched and presented a LOCK school-safety action plan to the Marana Unified School District (MUSD) Governing Board. Many of the safety measures she advocated for were implemented district-wide and Samantha was invited to become a board member of the MUSD Security Committee. Samantha is also resolute in her conviction to pursue a career in prosecution whilst providing pro bono family law services to domestic violence survivors.
Specifically, Samantha’s “purpose of serving my community, securing justice, and helping as many people as I possibly can during my lifetime” directly aligns with the mission of the David A. Paige Foundation.
“Being recognized by the David A. Paige Foundation is an absolute honor for which I am extremely grateful.
“Pursuing my Juris Doctorate has felt like a second chance at life. Having turned my back on higher education a decade ago, fallen into the throws of domestic violence, and put an ocean between myself and my home country, I had unknowingly distanced myself from my potential, self-worth, and dreams. But three years ago, I realized that I could not hope for my children what I was not willing to do myself. Today, I am a proud second-year law student at James E. Rogers College of Law with a head full of curiosity, a heart full of appreciation, and a pocket full of dreams.
“My personal experiences with the legal system have helped me to recognize the true omnipresence of the law. It is through these experiences that I have fostered a deep sense of commitment to both upholding justice and improving access to legal resources. For if it wasn’t for the lawyers who fought on my behalf when I had no means to fight for myself, I would not be in my privileged position today as a student at James E. Rogers College of Law.
“And what a privilege it is. Every day, I am afforded opportunities for growth, such as challenging my inherent biases, questioning the world around me, and learning a doctrine or two. (Or three, or four!) The law and its human impact give me a sense of purpose that had escaped me all these years. It is through this purpose that I have fostered an unwavering commitment to serving my community through a career in prosecution and providing pro bono family law services.
“The funds awarded to me by the David A. Paige Foundation will finance essential childcare that facilitates my class attendance. I cannot emphasize enough how impactful such financial support is. But beyond the scholarship funds, it is making a connection with the David A. Paige Foundation—a foundation that shares my values of goodness and altruism—that holds such immeasurable value. I am incredibly fortunate to have connected with such a selfless foundation, and I look forward to cultivating our shared objectives in giving back to the Tucson community and fostering justice in the legal system.
“David A. Paige served his community at every opportunity, and I am devoted to continuing his legacy.”
Nick Johnson
Nick Johnson (’23) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2023 spring semester. The Foundation recognized his academic accomplishments, persistence as a first-generation law student, and his commitment to volunteering.
Specifically, the DAP Foundation supports Nick’s desire to help children, parents, and families in the Arizona community resolve their issues. With his law degree, Nick vows to help individuals in the Southern Arizona community by giving them strong and competent legal support.
One of Nick’s law school professors said that “Nick has demonstrated uncommon skill at analyzing law in great flux. This will serve him well going forward as a lawyer – indeed, as a citizen… My conversations with Nick outside of class make clear he is a decent person with an exceptional work ethic. He attends closely to family and professional obligations, is committed to his academic goals, and is a team player.”
“I am appreciative, humbled, honored, and energized by the David A. Paige Foundation’s selection of me as its 2023 Scholarship recipient. In honoring David A. Paige’s legacy, I am hopeful that he would have wholeheartedly agreed with their selection. As with the recognition of my hard work, I truly value the financial aspect of this scholarship to reduce my loan burden.
“At the James E. Rogers College of Law, I interact daily with a multitude of amazingly bright, curious, and hardworking students. I am honored that the Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee members recognized something in me, in my studies, and in my community efforts that may have, in some small way, reminded them of David’s lifelong commitments to the legal profession, and to those amongst us who are less fortunate.
“Lastly, this scholarship award energizes me to be a better student, a better community member, a better friend, a better partner, and a better family member. After a difficult, and emotionally taxing first year of law school at the University of Oregon, I transferred to the University of Arizona as a 2L. In the time since, I have earned/received several scholarships and honors which have continued to push me to greater personal, academic, and professional heights/achievements. I value and admire the David A. Paige Foundation’s efforts on many fronts, and I hope, after a long, rewarding legal career, I will be remembered and honored as fondly and widely as David A. Paige.”
Jake Collier
“I am extremely grateful to the David A. Paige Foundation for choosing me to receive this scholarship. I strongly identify with Mr. Paige’s passion for justice, travel, and giving back to both his community and the world, and it is an honor to be one small part of his legacy. Not only does this scholarship ease the financial burden of law school, but it also allows me to focus on my studies and on pursuing a meaningful legal career.”
Jake Collier (’24) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2022 fall semester. The Foundation recognized his commitment to academic excellence, passion for public interest environmental law, and enthusiasm for mentorship. Jake’s work with the Environmental Law Society, the Native American Law Students Association, and as a Writing Fellow and Ares Fellow have all allowed him to “give back to the law school community.”
As Vice President of the Environmental Law Society, Jake has organized events with the Tucson Audubon Society and looks forward to engaging the law school community in a variety of environmentally conscious events. As an ally member of the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA), Jake is committed to building partnerships with NALSA’s board members to ensure that the Environmental Law Society is centering Indigenous voices and perspectives. Jake also understands the importance of giving back to his fellow law students and has taken on Fellowship roles for Civil Procedure and Legal Writing to mentor first-year law students.
“I could not be happier with my decision to attend Arizona Law. I love the small size of the law school and the tight-knit, supportive community that we have here. The incredible faculty, staff, administrators, and students made my first year here exceedingly rewarding, as they pushed me to become a kinder, more thoughtful, and more well-rounded person. As a second-year student, I have enjoyed taking advantage of the many opportunities that Arizona Law provides, such as Arizona Law Review, the Natural Resource Use & Management Clinic, and a judicial externship at the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
“I am excited to see where the rest of my time at Arizona Law will lead me, from the many classes I hope to take, to the continued clinical and experiential opportunities. After law school, I hope to clerk for a judge before entering the field of environmental law. I am primarily interested in nonprofit environmental litigation, Indigenous people’s law, and climate change law and policy. My goal is to use the power of the law to achieve justice for the natural world and the life that inhabits it. I also hope to establish a pro bono practice in criminal defense, with a focus on representing environmental activists and protestors.”
The David A. Paige Foundation will continue to provide scholarships to University of Arizona law students who excel in their studies and believe in using their law degrees to better their community.
Shelby Aguallo
Shelby Aguallo (’22) received the David A. Paige Foundation scholarship for the 2022 spring semester. The Foundation recognized her commitment to academics, community involvement and passion for mentoring. Shelby’s work in the Student Bar Association Mentorship Program, role as treasurer of the Latino Law Student Association, and participation on the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law and the Udall Inn of Court have allowed her to connect with students and attorneys in many different capacities.
In Shelby’s first year as treasurer of the Latino Law Student Association she helped organize an event for Tucson High students. Students interested in a career in law to come to the law school to hear guest speakers and take a tour of the law school. During the tour, Shelby connected with students by speaking about her own experiences and what it was like being in law school at twenty years old. Her mentee eventually made journal, was selected to be a writing fellow, and got a great summer position.
“Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the David A. Paige 2021-2022 Scholarship. I am very appreciative to be recognized for my hard work and dedication throughout law school. Receiving this scholarship is very beneficial and helpful to me because it will allow me to focus on enjoying my last semester of law school.
“Attending law school at the University of Arizona has also allowed me to discover my love for mentorship. Being able to provide insight and advice to students while they are trying to reach their goals has been extremely rewarding for me. Working with other students and helping them through mentorship has brought me much joy, as it did to Mr. Paige.
“Once I began attending law school at the University of Arizona, I found a passion for criminal law. I will be clerking for one year after I graduate law school, but eventually plan to become a prosecutor in Tucson, Arizona. I grew up in a small mining town in southeast Arizona and living and working in Tucson will allow me to do something I love in a place I enjoy. Being a prosecutor, and even working in juvenile court, will allow me to continue to help individuals lead better lives.”
Rachel Romaniuk
“I am honored to be the Inaugural David A. Paige Foundation Scholar for the 2021-22 school year. I am confident that my dedication to my studies and to the rule of law will honor David Paige’s legacy. I went to law school because I saw injustice within my middle school at a young age, and I knew I had to do something about it. I truly believe, as did Mr. Paige, that the law can and should be a tool for achieving fairness and justice. I plan to use my law degree to help bridge some of the gaps in our justice system and improve the public’s confidence in the nobility of our profession.
“The University of Arizona law school community has helped me develop a sense of purpose and value in my work. I have involved myself in many clubs, fellowships, and research assistantships to connect with those who are on the same path. I have been a board member of the Justice Advocates Coalition, an organization dedicated to social justice lawyering. I am an Articles Editor on the Arizona Law Review because I appreciate having a hand in burgeoning legal scholarship. I was also recently elected as the Student Bar Association’s 2021-2022 President after serving as both a 1L delegate and the Secretary.
“Most importantly, I am excited for the new community that I enter into as an Inaugural David A. Paige Scholar. I hope I can inspire others to follow in Mr. Paige’s footsteps and know that they will be supported by amazing organizations like this one. They are big shoes to fill, but I hope with the guidance and mentorship of the Board I can get closer to filling them. Thank you so much for the opportunity to explore public interest work with an increased sense of freedom and support.”