Tuesday was decision day at the University of Cincinnati, where future Bearcats find out if they were admitted to the school.
WLWT was in attendance as the first and second students in the class found out the news – and their admission came with a full-ride scholarship surprise.
It was a life-changing moment in front of their senior class for two students at Withrow University High School.
Harsh Minash and Oliver Tiani Vessah got the surprise they had been working so hard to achieve.
“I thought it was a graduation meeting,” Vessah said. “I was basically coming in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, and they were like, ‘Probably should wear a polo.’”
The two were in the top 10 percent of their class in Cincinnati Public Schools, went through an intensive interview process and, above all, did the work in the classroom.
“I’m actually the president of the Class of 2025, so I know most of the people here, and I feel very proud of that,” Minash said.
Withrow principal Jerron Gray was beaming with pride at the testament and dedication of his students and faculty.
“We are so proud of them,” Gray said. “Every day, their leadership both in the classroom, on the field, extra-curricular activities outside (is) representing Withrow University High School.”
Family, friends and coaches were at their side, ready to take on the next challenge and make a difference in their communities.
Vessah said he wants to go into financial analysis and strategy, while Minash wants to become a cardiologist.
The scholarships are worth about $50,000 each year.
Three other students also took home scholarships. Owen Herzog and Nick Kolbinsky of La Salle High School each received a $6,000 scholarship, while Jamiyah Turnage of North College Hill High School also received $6,000.
UC sent out acceptance letters Tuesday to 28,000 students for their Uptown, Blue Ash and Clermont campuses. Now, the school waits to see how many students choose to be Bearcats.
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