Numbers have always come naturally to Liliana Kolar, but the rising senior at Marist High School said earning a full-tuition mathematics scholarship still came as a surprise.
Kolar recently received The Michael Sullivan Family Foundation “Senior Year Scholarship for Excellence in Mathematics,” an award that will cover her tuition and fees during her senior year at Marist.
The scholarship recognizes students who excel in mathematics while also demonstrating leadership, academic achievement and interest in STEM-related careers. School officials said the selection process was highly competitive, with applicants evaluated by a Marist committee before finalists were sent to the foundation for final review.
“There was such strong competition this year on the Math Team, so I am very grateful to have received this award,” Kolar said. “My parents and I are incredibly happy to have my senior year tuition covered.”
Kolar credited her family and teachers for helping her succeed throughout high school.
“I am grateful that I am able to give back to my parents after all they have sacrificed for me and for all their love and support,” she said.
A graduate of St. Gerald School, Kolar has built an impressive resume during her three years at Marist. She has competed on the varsity soccer team since freshman year and joined the varsity flag football team as a junior. She also helped launch the school’s Engineering Club, serving as its founding vice president.
Her leadership roles continue to grow. Kolar was recently elected president of the National Honor Society for the 2026-27 school year and also participates in the Spanish National Honor Society, Academic Team, Math Team and Student Ambassador program.
Kolar said classes such as AP Chemistry and College Algebra & Trigonometry Honors strengthened her interest in science and engineering. She plans to study biomedical engineering in college.
“I really love my teachers, and they have provided me a great STEM foundation that will definitely set me up for success later in my career,” she said.
Students applying for the scholarship were required to maintain at least a 3.67 unweighted GPA, earn A or B grades in all mathematics courses and be enrolled in honors, AP or accelerated math classes during junior year.
School officials said preference also went to students involved in academic organizations and those pursuing future STEM careers.
This year marked the fourth time the scholarship has been awarded at Marist. Previous recipients included Michael Alfano, Celia Lindokken and Hailey Dostal.