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Papillion LaVista South High School Graduate Receives $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship from College of Saint Mary

Thursday, June 13, 2024

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Briana Aaron, a 2024 Papillion LaVista South High School graduate, as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Aaron was surprised with a scholarship check for $80,000 on June 12. Aaron receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“I have been totally impressed with Briana Aaron as a person and student, and I have total confidence that she will succeed at College of Saint Mary,” Alan Dappen, a Papillion LaVista South High School physics teacher. “She is intelligent and hard-working and has proven to be an integral part of any team I’ve put her with.”

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.

Aaron earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Papillion LaVista South High School. Some of Aaron’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Honor Roll (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

At CSM, Aaron will study biology. 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.