The winner of the 2015 Arizona Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, Sara Magdaleno, was awarded a $10,000 tuition prize this week by local, family-owned pizzeria, Barro’s Pizza. Sara was chosen from nearly 12,000 online and text-to-win entries.

Sara is a wife and mother who works full-time as a park ranger for the City of Phoenix and is also a full-time student. She has three Associate’s Degrees and a Bachelor’s Degree and plans to use her prize to pay off some of her student loans plus plans to continue to further her education.

“I love Barro’s Pizza and Dr Pepper is my favorite drink,” said Magdaleno. “I am so glad that I won this as it will help me pay some of my debt towards school.”

With 37 restaurants throughout Arizona and more than 35 years in business, the Barro family prides itself on finding ways to support and improve the communities they serve.

“A college degree opens many doors for people, but can also be a financial burden,” said Bruce Barro, co-owner of Barro’s Pizza. “Our continued partnership with Dr Pepper allows us to proudly support Arizona students like Sara and help cover the costs of higher education.”

Submissions were open to all Arizona residents and a winner was chosen at random out of more than 12,000 entries. 

The program is part of the annual Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, which has awarded more than $8 million to students across the nation since 2008. Students will have a chance later this year to again enter to win the $10,000 Dr Pepper Tuition Prize through Barro’s Pizza. For more information about the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, visit www.drpeppertuition.com.

Barro’s Pizza is a locally and family owned pizza operation with 37 locations around the Valley. The Barro’s Pizza recipe comes from Grandma Angelina Barro who came from Italy in the 1930’s, providing a pizza unlike any other. People may disagree on whether it’s the thick crust with its light, flaky texture, which almost melts in your mouth, or the wonderfully spiced sauce that is both tangy and sweet, that is the secret of this great tasting pizza. Barro’s Pizza also provides wings, salads, sandwiches, pasta, gluten-free pizza options, dessert, beer, and wine. For more information, visit www.barrospizza.com.