Mancos senior Brittney Peacock has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to Duke University.

The institution’s David M. Rubenstein merit scholarship is awarded to students who are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college, according to the university’s website.

Peacock said when she heard the news of the award, she couldn’t believe it was real. She didn’t have the words to describe how it felt, she said.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to attend Duke.”

Peacock said she is interested in the health care field, and might study biology or global health.

She thanked her teachers and coaches, as well as her friends and family for supporting her.

Peacock said it’s important for students who want to go to college to take high school seriously and not slack off. She said colleges look for unique students when they consider applications and award scholarships.

“Everything you do in school has an impact on the future,” she said.