LAKELAND, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2008) — FSC graduate Rachel Smith was recently selected as one of 19 recipients nationally to receive Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation’s 2008 scholarship. Smith completed her bachelor’s degree in music education this past May and begins her graduate studies at Emory University's Candler School of Theology this month. The Daytona Beach resident plans to become an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church.

“Rachel’s receipt of this award reflects on her outstanding commitment to leadership and education,” said Larry Burke, associate professor of music and the circle’s faculty secretary. “As secretary for the FSC circle of ODK during the 2007-2008 academic year, Rachel proved herself a leader of leaders. I am sure this scholarship will serve her well in her graduate work at Emory University.”

To be chosen as a recipient of an Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation Scholarship, a member must be a senior or have graduated within the past five years and have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average. The Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation has provided scholarships to more than 425 men and women since the program commenced in 1931. More than $300,000 has been granted to students who have pursued graduate and professional degrees.

"I am so very grateful to have been honored with this ODK scholarship,” Smith says. “I thoroughly enjoyed being involved with ODK throughout college and I am so blessed with this financial support to further my graduate studies."