GREENVILLE, Pa.—Maryland high school senior Aliyah Thompson, of Upper Marlboro, Md., won an academic scholarship worth $156,970 to Thiel College during a surprise presentation Wednesday morning at Bishop McNamara High School.
Her parents, Thomas and Stacy Thompson, a Thiel College admission counselor as well as members the Bishop McNamara athletic staff, faculty and administrators and students were on hand for the event.
Thompson plans to major in Communications Media at Thiel College. She is a member of the girls lacrosse team, the music honor society, International Food and Travel Club, Pacific Asian American Cultural Enlightenment, World Hub Club, Film Club, Broadcast Journalism, choir and theater.
Thompson’s scholarship ceremony was one of two events held Wednesday. Commodore Perry (Pa.) High School senior Kennedy Cropp was also awarded a scholarship. Students attended one of the College’s scholarship competitions in late 2024 where they were interviewed by faculty and staff members. Each year the College awards five full-tuition scholarships from a field of hundreds of eligible candidates.
“Winning a full-tuition scholarship is truly a life-altering event for these students,” Thiel College Director of Admission Sonya Lapikas said. “It opens the door to transformative educational opportunities, allowing them to focus on their studies and future without the burden of tuition costs. We are proud to support their aspirations and be a part of their journey to success.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.