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Surprise Marie Curie Scholarship awarded to Papillion-La Vista High School Student

Thursday, April 2, 2020

OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Emily Gilbert of Papillion, Neb., as a Marie Curie Scholar, starting in the fall. Gilbert received the surprise scholarship check for $80,000 at her home on Wednesday, April 1. She earns the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Emily takes school very seriously and is always trying to learn and improve herself,” said Nicholas Reding, a secondary science teacher at Papillion-La Vista High School. “She is a reliable, honest, and trustworthy person. Because of her high standards, hard work, and intrinsic motivation to learn, I have no doubt that Emily will be successful in her college studies.”

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.

Gilbert earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Papillion-La Vista High School. Some of Gilbert’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Colorguard Varsity Letter (2017-18)
  • Academic Excellence award (2019)
  • Volleyball Varsity Letter (2020)
  • Summa Cum Laude Honor Roll (2017-19)
     

At CSM, she plans to major in chemistry, starting in the fall of 2020. 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.