$80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship awarded to Ponca High School Student
OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Alexa Van Dyke, of South Sioux City, Neb., as a Marie Curie Scholar, starting in the fall. CSM presented Van Dyke with a surprise scholarship check for $80,000 at Ponca High School on Tuesday, April 24. She receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.
“[Alexa’s] hard work and dedication that she has put into past physics and biology classes shows a true passion for all different types of sciences,” said David Christensen, a secondary mathematics teacher at Ponca Public Schools. “I have no doubt that Alexa will put in the time and energy needed to succeed in any goal she sets, and she has a real passion for helping others through nursing.”
College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, which is funded in part by the National Science Foundation, provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding young women pursuing study in STEM majors, such as biology, chemistry, or math.
Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 annually for four years in gift aid. In addition to having access to substantial financial resources and facilities, participants also receive free tutoring, have opportunities for undergraduate research, and have access to top programs like the National Institute of Health and NASA research fellowships. Marie Curie Scholars at CSM also often attend and present at national conferences.
Van Dyke earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Ponca Public School. Some of Van Dyke’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:
- National Honors Society Member (2016-18)
- “A” Honor Roll (2014-17)
- Varsity Letter Winner – Volleyball (2016-17)
- Academic Excellence (2014-17)
At CSM, she plans to major in Biology, starting in the fall of 2018. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, College of Saint Mary uses initiatives like the Marie Curie Scholar Program to provide women from all backgrounds with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework, and lifelong leadership skills. She is one of five recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarship.
