Student awarded prestigious scholarship

Brian Greaney, a senior at Sisters High School, has been selected as one of the recipients of the most prestigious scholarship offered by Tulane University in New Orleans.

Out of a field of over 10,000 applicants, Greaney was one of 50 incoming freshman students chosen to receive the coveted Dean's Honor Scholarship. The scholarship is for a fullride, which includes tuition and room and board for four years.

Greaney was chosen because of the rigorous coursework that he's competed, his many perfect scores on AP (advanced placement) exams and particularly the "scholarship project" that was a major part of the application. The committee was also impressed with Greaney's diverse interests in multiple sports and class council.

"All of your involvement combined with your responsibilities as an eldest sibling of ten and your outstanding class rank (tied for first) made you a very impressive candidate," said James MacLaren, Ph.D., Dean of the Newcomb-Tulane Undergraduate College.

The major portion of the scholarship application was to submit a project. Greaney submitted his project from Jon Renner's Society class, a five minute, multi-media video entitled "We Belong to Each Other." The theme of the video is the interdependence of all humans and promotes world peace.

"The scholarship was based mostly on the project we submitted," said Greaney. "I think my project showed I have a good grasp on current world affairs. Mr. Renner really helped because he provided a lot of insights into world politics that really helped me get my message across."

When Greaney received the news he'd been selected as a recipient, he was caught by surprise.

"I wasn't expecting it at all, and it took a while to sink in," said Greaney. "I was extremely happy. It's a pretty prestigious school, and it costs over $40,000 per year to go there. The reality that I could go to a four-year school completely free is just such an amazing opportunity."

Greaney has until May 1, 2008, to decide whether he'll accept Tulane's offer, and in the meantime he's keeping his many options open. Greaney is still waiting to see what offers he'll receive from Notre Dame, Georgetown, University of Virginia and Northwestern.

Greaney told The Nugget that Notre Dame is currently his first choice, but he admits it's the only school of the five he's interested in that he has actually visited. Greaney has plans to visit all five colleges at the end of the month and then make a decision after he's seen what each has to offer.

"It's going to be a tough decision," said Greaney. "To me, the most important deciding factor will be what I think about the teachers and the students during my visit. But at least now I know that no matter what else happens I'll have a great opportunity at Tulane."