It only took a few seconds for Norwin High School senior Bret Vilage’s show choir class to erupt into cheers Wednesday morning.

Vilage, one of two area winners of a full-tuition scholarship to Thiel College, was overcome with emotion as his parents, extended family, school principal, and officials from Thiel presented him with the award to a roar of applause from his classmates.

The scholarship announcement came as a complete surprise for Vilage, who had applied alongside 130 other students for the Thiel Academic Scholarship Competition in November.

“I heard some people say (it would be announced) the second week of January, and today was the third, so I thought I probably didn’t get it, so I just moved on,” Vilage said. “I was definitely taken by surprise, I saw my mom and my sister walk in, and my dad, my grandpa and my aunt, and they all had balloons as well…It’s just insane. I’m still in shock.”

The Academic Scholarship Competition awards five new Thiel students each year with a full-ride scholarship of nearly of $140,000. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and participate in a day full of interviews with Thiel College professors to apply.

According to Thiel admissions counselor Alice DeBonis, who presented the scholarship to Vilage, the college also awards five runner-up students with a renewable $5,000 each year, and all students who apply for the scholarship receive a renewable $1,000.

Bret’s mother, Melissa Vilage, tried to hold back tears of joy when her son was presented with the award. She was informed of the prize last week, and kept it a secret from Bret, even during a trip to Niagara Falls this past weekend, until the official announcement, she said.

“Alice (DeBonis) right here called me, and I had a meltdown,” she said. “It was just the most wonderful, rewarding news. I couldn’t speak more highly of her and her university, and we are so appreciative of this huge, huge honor that Bret was given.”

Bret is a member of the choir and musical theater programs at Norwin, and participates in fundraising and volunteer programs through the choir. He is also a varsity tennis player, and looks forward to playing tennis at Thiel. The tennis program was one of the main things that drew him to the college.

“Bret’s a five-star student, great academically, and a hit socially,” said Bridget Faulk, Norwin’s show choir director. “He’s also out in the community doing a ton of service for us in the show choir, so he’s always willing to give back.”

Principal Michael Choby was proud to have the presentation honor Vilage. Norwin has done similar presentations in the past for students committing to sports programs at universities, he said.

“One of the things (about Bret) is his community service, being a leader in our choral program and being a part of their service in action that they do,” Choby said. “It’s great to continue to recognize all students for accomplishments like this.”

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