Maverick in the Making Scholarship a ‘Dream Come True’ for Creighton Prep Senior

For Daniel Mejia Hernandez, earning a $4,000 Maverick in the Making scholarship from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) was the fulfillment of more than his own dreams.  

“My parents came from Mexico and they’ve always wanted the best for me. This is more than a scholarship,” Mejia, a Creighton Prep senior said. “This is part of their dream coming true.” 

When Mejia’s prospects for attending a university were in doubt a year ago due to finances and grades, he doubled down on his efforts to improve his GPA an entire point to a 3.8 and find scholarship money. Many of the hours he spent studying for finals were on the third floor of UNO’s Criss Library. It was an achievement reflective of the Maverick Spirit that the scholarship recognizes in high school seniors.  

Jeff Wellwood, Mejia’s guidance counselor and scholarship nominator at Creighton Prep, watched Mejia thrive academically and take on new challenges with a job and volunteer opportunities after his initial struggles. 

“Once he found a good rhythm to succeed academically, he just took off and it’s been no looking back,” he said. “He has impressed quite a few people.”   

With the scholarship now in hand, Mejia will be able to attend UNO and stay close to his family that inspires him to do his best.  

Mejia’s mother, Blanca, said UNO was his “first, second and third option” for college. 

“I always tell him he is my champion.” 

Do you know of a future Maverick to nominate for the Maverick in the Making scholarship? UNO is accepting submissions year-round.