Nevaeh Madison was overwhelmed with emotions when she learned that her college tuition would be paid in full through the Dease Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas.
Madison’s counselor Jeff Matchette invited her parents and family to the announcement on March 16. Everyone had kept the exciting news secret from Madison so that she could be surprised when University of St. Thomas representative Jonathan Rosario presented the scholarship at Hopkins High School.
“The real tears began as my Dad hugged me along with my family and others who were there to congratulate me,” Madison said.
The Dease Scholarship is equal to the full cost of tuition each year including required student fees for four years. The scholarship is awarded to approximately 10 students. The program includes civic engagement, leadership development, and social networking opportunities. According to the university website, Dease Scholars commit not only to service, but to learning how to be an effective changemaker for one’s campus, community, and beyond.
Madison plans to major in public health with a minor in nutrition at St. Thomas Family College of Health. In the future, she hopes to become a dietitian or get involved with health relations, but most importantly, she wants to focus on the education and engagement for health and nutrition in the Black community.
“I am so very grateful for all of my counselors and family who had made the news so special,” Madison said. “It truly will be a memory I will cherish forever and look back on as I continue my education as a Dease Scholar.”
