Badin High senior Samantha Sarvak couldn’t have thought of a better way to start Catholic Schools Week on Monday.

Sam wasn’t sure why she had been called to her counselor’s office … or why he was walking her into the school’s St. Basil’s Chapel. But when she saw Marian University representatives Elizabeth Ortlepp and Jen Waning on hand to greet her, her eyes lit up.

“I’m surprised – and excited,” Sarvak said upon learning that she had been offered the school’s prestigious San Damiano faith leadership scholarship. “This is going to help me grow closer to God.”

The award is worth a minimum of $8,500 per year. There is also the opportunity to study abroad in a country that will enhance the student’s major.

Sarvak is the daughter of Matt and Tricia Sarvak of Fairfield and a graduate of St. Bernard Catholic School in Colerain Township. She plans to major in Nutrition at Marian, located in Indianapolis, with a minor in Music Ministry.

“Sam is a perfect fit for our community,” said Ortlepp, Marian’s San Damino recruiter. “She represents all of the Marian University values. We really appreciate her plans for music and for serving the church.”

Megan Halverson, Badin’s Christian Service coordinator, was thrilled for Sarvak to receive the San Damiano nod.

“Sam’s kind heart and generous nature have made a real difference at Badin,” Halverson said. “She’s been very involved in service here – at the Community Meal Center, Hamilton Living Water Ministries and so much more. Her presence always makes the experience better for all involved.”

Sarvak said she wasn’t familiar with Marian University when her mother suggested that they go take a tour. Once there, the school of some 2,700 students became her first choice.

“The San Damiano program is my favorite,” Sarvak said. “The chance to continue in service is very exciting to me.”

Sarvak is the fifth Badin student over the past five years to be offered the San Damiano scholarship. There are about 50 San Damiano scholars in each class at Marian.