Brianna “Bri” Finley will be receiving a full-tuition academic scholarship to attend the University of Michigan in the fall.

The Jean Fairfax Scholarship, full tuition for four years, was awarded to Finley this year, and she has committed to going to school in Ann Arbor.

Junior Kayla Meyer, a good friend of Finley, thinks highly of her.

“Bri is very inspirational, funny, and someone I will always look up to,” Meyer said. “She has accomplished so much in high school. I can’t wait to see what she does in college.”

Finley is excited to begin her journey at Michigan and is thankful for the scholarship.

“I am really excited to start college,” Finley said. “I am very thankful that I received the Jean Fairfax Scholarship. Of course, I am nervous, but I am happy to start at a new place and meet new people. I can’t wait to be a college student.”

The scholarship was not earned without hard work, though.

Finley has been a faithful Kearsley student for the past 13 years.

In high school, especially, Finley has excelled, both academically and socially.

Finley has a 3.94 GPA and is ranked 10th in the Senior Class.

“I always made it a point to take all honors and AP classes available,” Finley said. “It really has prepared me for college.”

Finley has played varsity softball all four years of high school.

She started her freshman year as a shortstop and then was moved to third base as a sophomore.

“Softball is a big part of my life,” Finley said. “I really have found a second family in the team.”

Finley has had a few setbacks, however, but came back stronger than before.

Like playing any sport, you can get hurt.

Finley was faced with shin splints in 10th grade and, as a result, the shin splints caused stress fractures in both of her left shin bones.

Her teammates began to call her “Shinley,” a play on her last name, which she frowned upon.

“I hated the name at first, but now I look back and laugh,” Finley said.

She had to sit out for most of the softball season and could not play summer travel softball.

MLive even wrote an article about her and her recovery.

When asked if she plans on trying out for college softball, Finley thought hard.

“I will be focused on my academics,” Finley said. “But I might try out just to get the experience of trying out for a college team.”

She received All-Conference honors as an infielder and an All-District award for third baseman in 2015.

Along with playing softball, she played varsity golf since her sophomore year.

Mr. Andy Nester, history teacher and boys’ golf coach, has had the pleasure of teaching Finley.

“I am proud to hear that Bri Finley has been awarded the Jean Fairfax Scholarship.  Since the first time I met Brianna she has expressed lofty goals for herself. This scholarship, along with the institution she will be attending, are the building blocks of a successful adult life and purposeful career,” Nester said. “Based on what I have observed during Ms. Finley’s high school career, I know Bri will not take these opportunities for granted.“

Nester reflected on the time he had teaching and getting to know Finley, then finished by applauding her.

“Congratulations, Ms. Finley,” Nester said. “All my best to you.”

In addition, Finley received All-Conference honors in golf during 2014 and 2015.

Besides her dedication to her academics and sports, she has always shown school spirit.

She goes to many games, especially football, and cheers on the Kearsley Hornets with all of her heart.

Senior Tyler Frasher, friend of Finley, has spent many nights in the bleachers of the football field surrounded by Finley and friends.

“It is always fun at games, especially with Bri. She always shows school spirit and paints her face with our school colors,” Frasher said. “Bri is definitely a great student, both academically and socially.”

Finley plans to take her school spirit to college and cheer on the Michigan Wolverines.

“I love showing school spirit and being with all of my friends,” Finley said. “I will, of course, cheer on the Wolverines in college, but I will always be a fan of the Kearsley Hornets.”

Finley plans on attending the school of nursing in the fall and graduating in four years with a bachelor’s degree.

She then wants to pursue a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Foco, best friends with Finley, had trouble finding the words to describe Finley.

“Bri is one of my best friends,” Foco said. ” Bri is driven, caring, and a generous person. She is someone that I look up to and respect. I know she will do great things.”

Finley is working hard to finish up high school and start college.

“I can’t wait to go away for college,” Finley said. “I want to be independent and see what other things are out there. I have enjoyed and loved the past 13 years at Kearsley, but I cannot wait to start at a new place.”