Decision Day includes special surprise for two future UC Blue Ash students

Sienna King and Olivia Luehrman will probably never forget the way they received the news about their admission to the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College.

The high school seniors were surprised with a visit from UC Blue Ash staff, school administrators, family members and others who shared the good news as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Decision Day announcements on Jan. 22. The incoming students also received a very special bonus, as each was awarded a $6,000 grant that will nearly cover the tuition at UC Blue Ash for their first year.

“I’m shocked. I’m just so grateful,” said King as she became emotional after receiving the news from UC Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner. King’s mother, Siobahn Rutherford, Princeton School District Superintendent Elgin Card, the UC Bearcat and others joined in the celebration.

King, a senior at Princeton High School, is described as an excellent student, hard worker and someone who is always ready to jump in and help others. She plans to enroll in the radiologic imaging technology bachelor’s degree program as she pursues her goal of becoming a radiation therapist. King is also proficient in sign language and intends to continue studying that in college.

She said there were a lot of factors that led her to apply to UC Blue Ash.

“I like the campus, I like the programs they offer, it’s close to home and it seems like a great school," she said.

Luehrman was nearly speechless when she received the news at Lakota East High School where she is finishing her senior year. She is active on the softball team and in choir while maintaining very good grades. She plans to pursue a degree in early care and education with a focus on teaching preschool children.

“My mom is a teacher and I want to follow in her footsteps,” said Luehrman. “I always like setting up her classroom every summer for the upcoming year.”

Her parents, Nick and Sarah, said they were blown away by the personal surprise that was arranged by the college. They also learned of the $6,000 grant at the same time as their daughter.

“We are very excited. We’re so grateful to everybody at UC Blue Ash for sharing this with our family,” said Sarah Luehrman.

King and Luehrman will join the 4,500 students enrolled at UC Blue Ash, a regional college of UC that offers more than 50 academic programs with bachelors, associate and certificate options. The college combines all the resources of a world-class university with the advantages of a small college campus, including low tuition, small class sizes and the personal attention that helps students thrive.

Applications for fall semester 2024 will be accepted until July 1. Learn more and apply today at online.

Featured Image: Olivia Luehrman celebrating with her parents, UC Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner, and UC Associate Director of Regional Recruitment Cortney Matthews.