Natasha Hongsermeier, a Morningside College student from Phillips, Neb., recently was awarded the top graduate school scholarship, the Maria Leonard Fellowship of $7,500, from the national Alpha Lambda Delta organization.

Natasha Hongsermeier, a Morningside College student from Phillips, Neb., recently was awarded the top graduate school scholarship, the Maria Leonard Fellowship of $7,500, from the national Alpha Lambda Delta organization.

Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in the first year of college. There are about 280 chapters around the country, both at large universities and small colleges.

Each year Alpha Lambda Delta awards graduate fellowships to 26 students across the nation. Award amounts range from $3,000 to $7,500.

Hongsermeier will enroll in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Medicine in the fall.

At Morningside, Hongsermeier majored in biology, chemistry and music. She served as president of the local chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta and as a student representative on the National Council of Alpha Lambda Delta.

Hongsermeier is the daughter of Ivan and Jennifer Hongsermeier of Phillips, Neb., and a 2012 graduate of Aurora High School.