He walks down the hallway, wondering why he was called to the office. He turns the corner and comes to a stop when he sees a UT Tyler representative holding a $40,000 check. As senior Brian Shine looks around at the principals, counselors, and his family, he realizes the three months he has spent applying for a scholarship has finally paid off.

Shine was awarded a $40,000 scholarship from UT Tyler Feb. 16 during 5th period. Shine began the application process a few months ago and was not expecting to receive the money when he did.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” Shine said. “When I walked up and saw the people from UT Tyler, a million things ran through my head about what I’ve been working towards and I couldn’t believe it was finally happening.”

Shine began the application process four months ago and he competed against 400 applicants for the money. He had to finish a three step process of discovering what he had to complete to apply, a two page essay, and an online interview.

“The application process took a very long time and I had no idea if I was going to win or not,” Shine said. “I knew they were announcing the winner early February, so I was skeptical I wouldn’t win.”

Due to covid restrictions, Shine had to complete his interview over Zoom rather than the customary in-person interview. The interview took about an hour in total.

“During the interview, they asked me a bunch of questions and I basically just told them all about myself and what I do,” Shine said. “Afterwards, I was left waiting and unsure of how the interview went until just now when I won the scholarship.”

UT Tyler representatives, the college’s mascot, and Tyler news reporters came to award Shine with the scholarship. 

“I’m just really happy for my brother,” Shine’s sister Abby Shine said. “I know how excited he is for the next chapter of his life and I’m so glad he is prepared and ready for his future.”

Parents and faculty were informed that Brian Shine won the scholarship a few days before the surprise. Principal Jeremy Chilek, counselors, and his family kept the secret until he received the check.

“I am very proud of Brian because I know the kind of person he is,” Chilek said. “I know he worked hard for this and he is very deserving of everything he was awarded.”

Brian Shine plans on majoring in accounting during his 4 years at UT Tyler. This major will give him the opportunity to earn a stable job and provide well for himself and his future family.

“I haven’t decided yet if I am ready for college or not,” Brian Shine said. “I do know that I will miss all the teachers, staff, and friends that have made these past four years at LHS amazing.”