Senior Receives Full-Tuition Scholarship to Butler University

A Providence Cristo Rey High School senior has earned a Butler University Tuition Guarantee Scholarship.

Thomasina Smith was surprised with the news that she had earned this full-tuition award during her fourth period class. Adding to the surprise was a special guest to help deliver her award.

Butler's very own official live mascot, Butler Blue III (aka "Trip"), made an appearance for this announcement, along with Butler's Director of Admissions, DJ Menifee, and Michael Kaltenmark, Director of External Relations.

Chelsea Ward, Providence Cristo Rey High School's College & Career Counselor, called Thomasina's parents to invite them to the surprise presentation. "I just started crying when she told me," said Toiya Smith, Thomasina's mother. "I am so proud of her. She worked incredibly hard for this."

Toiya was able to contact her husband, Thomas Smith, to let him know about the event. He picked up roses and Butler-themed balloons on his way to the school.

Once everyone had arrived, Butler Blue III led the way to Thomasina's classroom.

Watch the full video of her surprise here:

Thomasina realized something was out of the ordinary when she saw her parents. In the video, she says, "Wait, what?" when she sees them walk in.

"First I see the dog...and then I realized it was Butler's dog!" she said. "Then I see my mom and my dad and I think okay, you have work why are you here? Then I see DJ, the person that interviewed me (for the scholarship) and I think oh, wait, me? What?! And the first thing I think is, don't cry! I did a little bit, and my heart was racing. I am just so excited!"

Butler University is her first choice for college. Her family lives about ten minutes from the campus. "I have loved Butler since middle school," she says.

She would like to major in Political Science, which is fitting, since she is the current Student Council President. Her Corporate Work Study Partner is Faegre Baker Daniels, an Indianapolis law firm, which she has been with since her freshman year. She would like to pursue a career in law or politics.