Radcliffe College doled out its highest undergraduate honor to a Boston area native this year. Rebecca C. Kiley '98, an Afro-American studies concentrator, was named the 1998 recipient of the Captain Jonathan Fay Prize at the Radcliffe College Alumnae Association's Strawberry Tea for graduating senior women.

The award is presented annually to the graduating senior woman who "has given evidence of the greatest promises" by her scholarship, conduct and character during her four years at Harvard, according to Radcliffe College President Linda S. Wilson.

"I welcome [Kiley] to a unique community of women who have used their exceptional talents to advance our society," Wilson said at last Wednesday's tea. "Rebecca represents the highest ideals of the prize: extraordinary academic gifts coupled with an unwavering commitment to public service."

"I was really thrilled and very excited," Kiley said of receiving the award.

Kiley, a Pforzheimer resident, is from Jamaica Plain, a southwest Boston neighborhood. She graduated in 1993 from Boston Latin School, a competitive public examination school.

Cornelia A. Kelley-LaCambria, an assistant headmaster at Boston Latin, said, "We are indeed very proud. When Rebecca was a student here, she distinguished herself in many areas, and this award continues to recognize her many talents."

Kiley deferred college for one year to organize an execute local service projects through Boston's City Year program.

During her time at Harvard, Kiley was involved in the First-Year Urban Program and two Phillips Brooks House Association public services programs. Kiley also served on the Ethnic Studies Action Committee.

"She is a remarkably mature, intellectually curious student, a conscientious activist who cares about those around her and helps them to help themselves," said James J. McCarthy, Master of Pforzheimer House.

"She can pinpoint problems and generate the energy to solve them," McCarthy said.

Kiley said her mother is her biggest role model.

"She is a huge support-always energetic, eager, an smart," Kiley said.

Elaine M. Kiley, Rebecca's mother, described her daughter as "always very determined to do the best she can at whatever she tries."

Kiley has maintained a near perfect academic record during her four years at Harvard and is graduating with highest honors in Afro-American studies. Kiley was also inducted into Harvard's Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

"Harvard has been great," Kiley said. "The best thing is that I will leave with a group of friends I will be close to the rest of my life."

Kiley said she will work as a paralegal in the Boston federal defender's office for the next year and then apply to law school.