It literally pays to work hard in school.

Just ask Nathan Sharpe, a graduating senior at Oxford High School.

He was one of two recipients of the 2016 “LAunch Scholarship,” which pays $2,500.

The annual scholarship was established in 2011 by the Detroit-based law firm, Lusk Albertson, to recognize high academic achievement, community involvement and the personal commitment demonstrated by high school seniors within a school district represented by the firm.

“Every year gets more competitive,” said Kaushi Muthukuda, marketing and business development coordinator at Lusk Albertson.

He said the firm had received more than 100 applications from students all over Michigan.

“Nathan was one of the last people interviewed and we were immediately captivated by him,” Muthukuda said. “He was so funny and engaging. He told us that he used to be shy and we never got that from him. He was so down-to-earth and willing to work with others and be a leader. That’s something we want to see representing our firm.”

An academic high-achiever, Sharpe has a 4.02 grade point average at OHS.

He serves as captain of the First Robotics-TORC Team, defensive captain of the varsity soccer team and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“It’s great. This will be really helpful for college,” Sharpe said. “They were really nice and easy to talk to (at Lusk Albertson). (This scholarship) will really help me (with) my future.”

Sharpe plans to attend Michigan Technological University (MTU) in the fall. He plans to study chemical engineering. His ultimate goal is to attend law school and become a patent attorney.