A Warren Area High School student is coming off a big day at school. 

She's the very first recipient of the Emerging Leaders Class Act Award, from the Northwest Tri Country Intermediate Unit, otherwise known as IU5.

Lilly Broadcasting is among several local businesses sponsoring the scholarship program.

Eva Mastromatteo went to Warren Area High to surprise Lydia Balas live on air, while in her AP American Government class.

The senior soccer player who is also President of National Honor Society, and involved in a host of other extracurricular and community activities, received a $1,000 scholarship. 

"It means a lot to me that other people recognize that what I'm doing is good, it's not just myself," said Balas. 

Lydia, and all the other students receiving scholarships this year will also be in the running at the end of the year for a $5,000 scholarship.

"We're excited to be the first ones to kick this award off," said Amy Steward, Warren Schools Superintendent. "To recognize kids in public education and all the great things they're doing." 

School officials across all 17 districts in the IU5 will nominate one student in 10th through 12th grade per month.

Lilly Broadcasting along with Velocity Net, Orthopedic Associates of Meadville, and Tendto Credit Union are sponsoring this unprecedented scholarship program in the region.