When Bethel Park High School senior Beth Anne Swartzwelder was called to the principal's office May 5, 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 in Greensburg, 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, editor of her school's student newspaper, the Black Hawk Voice.

She said she has wanted to study journalism since she enrolled in the newspaper class her sophomore year, and she fell in love with the Seton Hill campus 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, a student must have a combined SAT score of 1,350 or higher; a grade point average of 3.7 or higher; and honors or advanced placement course work pertinent to his or her major.

Students also must demonstrate leadership or be involved in community service, and provide a letter of recommendation about their ability to excel in their 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 last week's presentation was meant 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 fast-pitch travel softball for the Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners.

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

BreAnne also is a member of the National Honor Society, Book Club and Interact Club at her 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.