Video: CHS Student Awarded With Prestigious Nordstrom Scholarship

Bianca Valle, a Coronado High School senior, received a $10,000 scholarship Tuesday morning, during a surprise interruption of a morning class on campus.

Anita Crandall, a representative of the Nordstrom department store chain, awarded the money, along with a new Macbook Air, during Valle's Advanced Placement Psychology class.

Nordstrom had informed Valle's school and parents of the award two weeks ago, but as is customary for the company, wanted to surprise the student in the midst of one of her classes.

Debbie Collins, a school counselor, believes it is the first time a CHS student had been awarded the scholarship.

Valle knew something was up shortly after 11 a.m. when her parents and grandparents walked into the back of the room before Crandall entered.

After the store representative explained the lengthy  application and interview process, and announced Valle's name, teacher Diane Chrisman's class erupted in applause.

After she received the computer too, Valle exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, you're spoiling me!”

Valle has made herself known on campus and in the community, helping form a campus art and charity club and engaging with the city's arts commission.

She is one of 80 students nationally to receive the Nordstrom scholarship, which has been offered since 1994. More than 30,000 applications were received. Valle was one of 10 finalists in the western region.