Leaders of Omaha-area schools nominated exceptional high school seniors in the University of Nebraska's biggest recognition ceremony in 15 years.
It's a part of the University's effort to connect with all parts of the state, even the students who don't attend a typical high school.
Over 500 high school seniors filed into the University's achievement recognition program to think about the future.
"I want to say it's nine months until I'm on campus," one student said.
Sunday was the University's chance to get the cream of the crop at an annual event that has grown from 100 to nearly 1,700 over the past decade.
"We recruit very hard because we want as many of the best and brightest students to come to the University," Chancellor Ronnie Green said.
So to get those students, the Cornhusker school set aside a special surprise to sell students like Emma L'Heureux.
During the hour-long ceremony, the University offered $1,000 scholarships to all high school students in attendance.
"It's amazing, even if they gave me 30 cents, that's 30 cents less to worry about," L'Heureux said. "College is really expensive so I'm just going to work really hard.
L'Heureux is looking to break the mold and branch out from Omaha with her family graduating from Omaha colleges and universities. She wants to pursue psychology in Lincoln after she was motivated by her family.
Now she has a scholarship to help motivate her more.
"I was hoping for it to be honest, but I was really surprised and really gratified," she said. "Nebraska is my dream school and my heart is set on it."
