It's the last Wednesday of the month and that means Erie News Now is recognizing a local student with a C.L.A.S.S. Act Award.

The $1,000 scholarship is given out every month to a nominated student across Erie, Crawford, Warren counties.

Eva Mastromatteo surprised this month's student, Eva Reilly from Harbor Creek High School.

The senior made plans to attend RIT, the Rochester Institute of Technology next year for bio-medical engineering.

She will follow in the footsteps of two of her sisters who also went to the university.

Eva's Human Anatomy Teacher nominated her for the award, saying she simply loves and excels in science. 

"It's really important to me to make sure I'm still staying on top of my studies even though I've gotten into college," said Reilly.  "As well as staying connected with the teachers that I've had the privilege to be with the past few years."

"From the standpoint academically no question there," said Julie Prokochak, nominating teacher.  but beyond that it's the type of person she is. She is constantly interacting with teachers, asking questions, she recognizes teachers as people."

The C.L.A.S.S. Act Award is given out by the Northwestern Tri-County Intermediate Unit otherwise known as the IU5, with help from several local businesses, including Erie News Now.

They help provide funding for each monthly award winner, who also has a chance to win a $5000 scholarship at the end of the year.