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

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Josie Reid of Jackson, Neb., as a Marie Curie Scholar, starting in the fall. Reid received the surprise scholarship check for $80,000 at her home this week. She earns the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Josie has always been self-motivated and goal-oriented,” said Keith Trusty, a secondary science teacher at Ponca High School. “She will make any university proud to have her as a student and then as an alum – she’s extremely hardworking, reliable, honest, ethical and compassionate.”

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.

“Her interested is in becoming an OB/GYN,” added Trusty. “Which would be an excellent fit, as she is a very meticulous student a caring person.”

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

  • Ponca Science Department’s George Eastman Leadership Award (2019)
  • World Language Distinguished Scholar Award (2018)
  • Academic All State (volleyball, 2020)
  • Valedictorian (2017-2019)
     

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.