Ohio Dominican Awards Battelle Scholarships

May 25, 2005

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Ohio Dominican University has awarded Battelle Scholarships to incoming freshmen Marissa Hoffecker, Jessica Carrier, and Brittany Sparks.

The Battelle Scholarship is awarded annually to new freshman from the Central Ohio area who possess unusual strengths and promise for the field in which he/she studies; the potential for leadership is important. The scholarship is renewable for four years. The Battelle Scholars Program was established to recognize outstanding students who possess the potential for leadership and intellectual promise, as demonstrated by special achievements in a particular field of study or activity. Scholarship recipients are sensitive to the needs of others; have integrity and a commitment to high personal values; and the ability to motivate and work with others while providing support and direction. To be eligible, students must be entering freshmen at an undergraduate college or university in Franklin or contiguous counties, and a resident of one of those counties.

Hoffecker is a graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio, where she served as a student admissions representative and a member of both the National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society. Her in-school activities included Volleyball, Ski Club, Math Club and French Club. Hoffecker started a teen suicide prevention program at her school, coached 5th and 6th grade volleyball and volunteered with Children's Liturgy at her church. A Buckeye Girl's State Representative, Hoff is listed in Who's Who in American High School Students. At Ohio Dominican, she plans to major in Political Science with minors in Religious Education and International Relations.

Carrier is a graduate of Bishop Ready High School in Columbus, Ohio, where she was a member of both the National Beta Society and the Honor Roll. Her in-school activities included both, Marching and Concert Band, Theatre, Students Against Drunk Driving, Environmental Club and Choir. In her spare time she worked concessions at OSU football games and also had various babysitting jobs. At Ohio Dominican she plans to pursue an education degree with a minor in theater.

Sparks is a graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, where her honors included National Honor Society, National Honor Roll as well as several Varsity Letters in academics. Her community life was very active as she was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Gahanna Lincoln's Educational Membership program and was a leader at a local Middle School Girls Bible Study. In school she played on the soccer team and was a photographer on the yearbook staff. At Ohio Dominican she hopes to achieve her goal of becoming a Middle-Childhood Education teacher.