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Papillion-La Vista South student awarded $80,000 College of Saint Mary Marie Curie Scholarship

Thursday, April 14, 2022

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Abigail Ridout of La Vista as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Ridout was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000 on Wednesday, April 13. She receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership and service.

“Abby is a very intelligent, hardworking and humble student with amazing motivation and determination. She shows remarkable leadership both in the classroom and in her community,” said Megan Hylok, science department chair at Papillion-La Vista South High School. “One of Abby’s greatest strengths in the science classroom is her ability to work well with others and explain difficult concepts to her peers during laboratory and group work. She is very articulate in her speaking and always asks great questions.”

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 also often attend and present at national conferences.

Ridout, the daughter of Tracy and Barry Ridout, earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Papillion-La Vista South High School. Some of Ridout’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Cross Country Commitment Award (2021)
  • Girls Soccer Lifter of the Year (2021)
  • Certificate Nursing Assistant License (2021)
  • Soccer Letter Award (2019-22)
  • Cross Country Letter Award (2018-21)
  • Metro Conference All-Academic Team (2021)
  • Academic All State (2021)
  • National Honor Society (2020)
     

At CSM, Ridout plans to major in biology starting in the fall of 2022. She hopes to later earn her doctorate in physical therapy to work with patients with spinal cord injuries, inspired by her father who is paralyzed. 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. Ridout is one of eight recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarships.