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

Thursday, April 8, 2021

OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Rosario L. Chaclan of Sioux City, IA., as a Marie Curie Scholar, starting in the fall. Chaclan received the surprise scholarship check for $80,000 at her home over Easter weekend. She earns the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“As a student she was hard working, cooperative, on time, ambitious, determined and motivated,” said Jamie Bratvold, a secondary math and technology teacher at West High School. “Rosario Chaclan is  confident, knowledgeable and a strong leader.”

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.

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

  • National Honors Society member (Junior-Candidate, Senior-Member)  
  • Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Excellence Award (2019)
  • Siouxland Women of Promise (2019)
  • Student Council (Sophomore-member, Junior-Sgt. At Arms, Senior-Vice President)
     

At CSM, she plans to major in biology, starting in the fall of 2021. 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.