CHARLOTTE – Three north Mecklenburg County high school students were recently awarded up to $20,000 in Broad Prize scholarships.

School officials surprised Ethan Blakenship, of Hough High School, and Joel Brown and Kevin Curtrara, both of North Mecklenburg High School, along with 25 other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students May 14 with the announcement.

They told students they were attending a block party to honor district teachers before revealing the awards.

“You’re an elite group and we’re very proud of you and your accomplishments,” District Chief Academic Officer Ann Clark told them.

As a reward for winning the 2011 Broad Prize in Urban Education, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation gave the district money for the scholarships.

Scholars received two- or four-year scholarships, depending on the type of college of university they choose to attend. Students who plan to attend four-year colleges or universities received $20,000 ($5,000 per year), while those planning to attend two-year colleges received $5,000 ($2,500 per year).