Inquire Now

$80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship awarded to Thibodaux High School Student

Saturday, April 13, 2019

OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Kaia Chiasson, of Thibodaux, La., as a Marie Curie Scholar, starting in the fall. CSM presented Chiasson with a surprise scholarship check for $80,000 at Thibodaux High School on Thursday, April 11. She receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Kaia exhibits an excellent academic record,” said Christine Graham, a secondary mathematics teacher at Thibodaux High School. “[Kaia’s] upbeat and positive behavior can be seen through her actions in both school and in the community. Her conscientious attitude has also made Kaia an excellent leader. A math major perfectly matches her personality, attitude, and strong work ethic.”

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.

Chiasson earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Thibodaux High School. Some of Chiasson’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • “A” honor roll (2015-19)
  • District Most Valuable Player – Tennis
  • Thibodaux High Student of the Year nominee (2018-19)
  • National Honor Society board member
     

At CSM, she plans to major in mathematics, starting in the fall of 2019.  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.