'I'm just grateful.' University of Cincinnati surprises Woodward senior with scholarship

When Woodward Career Technical High School senior Kailei Brown walked into her school's gymnasium Monday afternoon, she was greeted by the University of Cincinnati Bearcat, a marching band chanting UC's fight song and a full scholarship.

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Brown, 17, is one of 10 Cincinnati Public Schools seniors accepted to the prestigious Marian Spencer Scholars Program this year. The award covers full tuition, room and board and an all-expenses-paid study abroad experience to Tanzania. The university started surprising some recipients at school and at their homes last year.

Brown said she's excited for the opportunity to "figure out what it is that I want to do" in the future.

"I just want to thank God," Brown said following Monday's surprise assembly. "I had personally had a conversation with Him this morning about this, and He just showed me that this is what He wanted me to do. So I'm just grateful."

Brown's mother, Tanique Smith Brown, said her daughter has been a straight-A student since she was in the sixth grade. Kailei Brown also started her own nail art business at the age of 14.

Kailei is humble, determined and "has a heart for people," her mother told The Enquirer.

"I'm very proud of her," Brown said. "She takes care of everybody else before herself sometimes."

UC will send out acceptance letters via email to other students later Monday, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Jack Miner said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Watch video: Woodward senior surprised with full scholarship to UC