When Bethel Park High School senior Beth Anne Swartzwelder got called to the principal's office on Tuesday morning, it wasn't because she was in trouble.

Waiting there was Seton Hill University Admissions counselor Ashley Josay, who was holding a ceremonial check for $106,000 in tuition funds for Beth Anne. That amount equals a full scholarship to the school, where Beth Anne plans to study journalism and play softball.

Though Beth Anne is a standout softball player, the scholarship was based solely on her academic performance, Ms. Josay said.

"I'm really excited about this," said Beth Anne, who is the editor of the student newspaper, the Black Hawk Voice.

She said she has wanted to study journalism ever since enrolling in the newspaper class at Bethel Park High School her sophomore year, and she fell in love with the Seton Hill campus in Greensburg when she visited last year.

The Seton Hill scholarship was one of eight full scholarships for academics the university is awarding this year.

To qualify for the award, students must have a 1350 or higher combined SAT score, a grade point average of 3.7 or higher and honors or advanced placement coursework pertinent to their majors.

They must also demonstrate leadership or be involved in community service, provide a letter of recommendation on their ability to excel in the field of study and an essay describing why they chose their major.

Beth Anne said she's hoping to combine her love of sports and journalism and perhaps become a sports reporter.

Though Tuesday's presentation was supposed to be a surprise, Beth Anne's parents told her the news ahead of time. At one of her recent softball games, while she was on the field, they held up a sign saying "We know something you don't know."

"Everyone said I was getting a puppy," Beth Ann said. "But this is a lot better."

Beth Anne's other activities include playing the violin in the symphonic orchestra, membership in the National Honor Society and playing travel fast-pitch softball for the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners.

Tuesday marked the second time a Seton Hill scholarship was offered to a senior from the southern suburbs. In April, Ms. Josay presented a scholarship to Elizabeth Forward senior BreAnne DeMarco, who plans to major in biochemistry.

BreAnne is also a member of the National Honor Society, Book Club and Interact Club at Elizabeth Forward High School.

Other scholarships have been awarded this year to students from Freedom Area and Uniontown Area school districts and St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights. Three others have yet to be awarded, Ms. Josay said.