South Sioux City Student Awarded $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship at College of Saint Mary

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Destiny Sidak, a student at South Sioux City High School, as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Sidak was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000 on Sunday, May 5. Sidak receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Destiny is a uniquely motivated young woman, who is strong-willed and intelligent,” said Nathaniel Vajrgt, South Sioux City High School teacher and Sidak’s swim coach. “She is defined by her high expectations for herself, uncompromising honesty and obvious intelligence and work ethic.”

College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, 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, human biology 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 also often attend and present at national conferences.

At CSM, Sidak will study human biology with plans to further her education in medical school.  Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, CSM 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.