BRAINTREE -- Last month, 12 students in the Archdiocese of Boston were awarded the Cardinal Medeiros Scholarship. This full, four-year scholarship to Boston University is presented each year to graduates of Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Boston in memory of Cardinal Humberto Sousa Medeiros. An exemplar of our time, Cardinal Medeiros grew up in poverty and became a great champion of immigrants and racial justice as the Archbishop of Boston from 1970 to 1983.

Students were nominated by their high school principals or guidance counselors and interviewed by a selection committee. Recipients are chosen for their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership skills, and contributions to their schools and communities.

Over the years, a total of 444 students have been awarded the scholarship, representing more than a $50 million contribution from Boston University.

The 2018 Cardinal Medeiros Scholarship recipients are:

-- Michael Alberti of Matignon High School in Cambridge and St. Raphael School in Medford.

Alberti is the valedictorian at Matignon, captain of the Academic Decathlon team, a student recruiter for the admissions office, and most recently performed as Lumiere in the school's musical "Beauty and the Beast." He plans to study computer science and engineering at Boston University.

-- Matthew Collins of Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody and St. Mary of the Annunciation School in Danvers.

Collins is the salutatorian of his class, a tradition in his family. His mother was salutatorian of her class at Bishop Fenwick and his sister (also a Medeiros Scholar) was valedictorian. At Bishop Fenwick, Matthew was student council treasurer, National Honor Society treasurer, and was a leader in the community, both inside and outside of the classroom.

-- Garrett Greaves of St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers.

Greaves is a scholar, athlete, and musician who is determined to make a positive impact on the world. During his time at St. John's Preparatory, he participated in Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras, fencing, and band while also contributing many hours of community service at Lowell General Hospital and performing at local nursing homes.

-- Susritha Kopparapu of Lowell Catholic High School and Sainte Jeanne d'Arc School in Lowell.

Kopparapu performed over 600 hours of community service in high school while also participating in the Science National Honor Society and Mock Trial, among other extracurriculars. A positive role model for her peers, Susritha displays strong leadership skills, and selflessly gives her time to anyone or anything that needs it.

-- Caitlyn Leonard of Austin Preparatory School in Reading and Our Lady of Assumption in Lynnfield.

Leonard participated in many activities throughout high school including Classics Club, Latin Peer Tutor, cross country and track, and teaching CCD. A highly disciplined and self-motivated student, she is considering studying biological sciences or politics in college.

-- Erin Montion of Arlington Catholic High School in Arlington.

Montion was a member of the track team, Humanitarian Club, science team, and a student ambassador who volunteered at all school events. Her strong leadership skills and academic capability will help at Boston University where she plans to study French.

-- Sheena Patel of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence.

Patel loves to learn new things and apply her knowledge to real life experiences. She regularly competes in Bharatanatyam Dance competitions, volunteers at both Lawrence and Lowell General Hospital, participates as a student ambassador showing the school to potential students, and represented Central Catholic at American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Patel plans to pursue a career in medicine.

-- Adam Salachi of Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood and St. Mary School in Mansfield.

Salachi is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in a wide range of leadership, campus ministry, and service activities while at Xaverian. He will matriculate in Boston University's School of Engineering.

-- Daniel Scrivener of Boston College High School in Dorchester.

Scrivener participated in Northeastern University's 2017 Young Scholars Program, is a National Hispanic Scholar and was a semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. He earned perfect scores on the chemistry and math SAT subject tests, the ACT, and all three AP exams last year (Calculus AB, Chemistry, and Literature) while also participating in concert band and being an academic and social mentor at BC High.

-- Olivia Stipo of Fontbonne Academy in Milton.

Stipo was an active member and performer in Fontbonne's drama program, a school ambassador who helped create a welcoming and inclusive environment at school, and participated in select chorus.

-- Evan Wolk of Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood and Blessed Sacrament in Walpole.

Wolk followed one of the most challenging courses of study offered by Xaverian Brothers High School and was involved in just about every aspect of school life: leadership, clubs, athletics and service. He is interested in law and economics and will study in Boston University's Questrom School of Business.

-- Steven Zachariadis of Bishop Fenwick High School and St. John the Baptist School in Peabody.

Zachariadis served as senior gift chair for his class which had 100 percent participation and created a smartphone app for the school while also leading the National Honor Society as vice president. He was also a peer leader, ordination coordinator, morning announcer, and president of his local Greek Orthodox Youth Association.