Berger’s story turns into
By Pat Bigold
offers for college
Star-BulletinLia Berger, the Lahainaluna High School student-athlete whose college plans were in doubt because of her family's financial plight, has a had a reversal of fortune since a story about her appeared in Friday's Star-Bulletin.
Berger, who is the first state girls' 140-pound wrestling champion as well as the reigning Miss Teen Maui, has been offered a full scholarship to Boston University.
The scholarship is worth $32,000 and is 90 percent grants. Berger would be able to study drama there. She aspires to an acting career.
Berger, who has a 3.66 cumulative grade-point average, was also contacted by Steve Lane, a member of the Whitman College (Walla Walla, Wa.) alumni board of trustees. Lane said last night that he has asked Berger to make a late application and he will try to get Whitman to match BU's financial package.
Berger also received a call from Dan Barretto, who owns the local franchise for the National College Recruiting Association. Barretto knew Berger had received attractive college offers but he has offered to pay for her plane ticket to school. He said he also is working with the Honolulu Rotary Club to supply Berger with medical insurance.
The eight-member Berger family lives in state housing in Lahaina and the father, Sama Mataafa, is limited in his ability to work due to a chronic illness.
Sophie Berger, Lia's mother, said Barretto's offer is appreciated because it would cost the family a month's rent to pay for her plane ticket. The medical insurance would be a further drain if the family had to pay for it.
Berger said she is leaning toward Boston University but will consider Whitman because it is known for its drama program.
The University of Southern California also accepted Berger, but most of USC's assistance was offered in loans.