GCC student surprised with 4-year scholarship to UPG

Hannah Nelson admitted she was surprised that she was the recipient of a four-year scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

The Greensburg Central Catholic senior was informed of the news April 29 with a little bit of mystery involved with the reveal. She was told to report to the school’s guidance office between periods and was eventually led into the school chapel, where she found family, friends, teachers and some blue and gold balloons (the University of Pittsburgh colors).

“It’s just insane,” aid the shocked Nelson. “I applied and I didn’t really think I’d get the full tuition. I was just surprised to get the interview. This is so surreal.”

Representing the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg was Joyce Eger, Admissions Counselor.

“I’m totally impressed with this young lady,” Eger said. “Her interview was spot on.  We’re all very, very happy for you. We hope you have a wonderful four years at Pitt-Greensburg.”

Eger presented Nelson with flowers and a money tree.

The process to secure the scholarship included submission of a resume, along with three letters of recommendation, and an essay about the subject “How COVID affected you,” as well as an interview.

“I was so stressed about the interview,” Nelson admitted. “I thought I did well, but I didn’t know when I’d hear back from them.”

There were a couple of factors that drew Nelson to Pitt-Greensburg.

Nelson, 17, plans to study nursing – a highly thought of program at the University of Pittsburgh. Also, staying close to home is important to the North Huntingdon Township resident.

“I love Greensburg and I love the small school,” Nelson said.

Her interest in nursing came about while watching nurses at work when her father had a heart attack a few years back.

“There was a nurse named Rachel. She was so amazing. My mom loved her,” Nelson recalled. “Being in the (intensive care unit) is not comfortable. She made it nice. She made it less scary. That’s what I want to do for other people.”

Nelson also plans to play soccer at the collegiate level, an opportunity that will be afforded to her at Pitt-Greensburg. She was a member of the Greensburg Central Catholic soccer team that won the Class A WPIAL championship and advanced to the PIAA title game. She also is a sprinter on the track team and is member of the National Honor Society and the Hungry Heart Society, a club which raises money to provide food for children in impoverished regions of the world.

Nelson has enjoyed her time at Greensburg Central Catholic, admitting that the school means quite a bit to her.

“It’s been like a family,” she said. “I have so many friends here. All of the teachers have known me since seventh grade, so they’re really close with me.”