RELEASE: Kickapoo High Student Wins US Navy Memorial Scholarship
Washington, D.C. - The United States Navy Memorial is pleased to announce Sophia Odom as the recipient of the 2024 Navy Memorial Scholarship. Each year, the US Navy Memorial awards $5,000 to the grandchildren of deceased Chief Petty Officers with high academic achievements.
Miss Odom graduated from Kickapoo High School in May and will attend the University of Arkansas this fall.
The Navy Memorial received a donation from Mrs. Barbara Freise, widow of Chief Petty Officer Galen W. Freise, USN (Ret.) to award scholarships to the grandchildren of deceased Chief Petty Officers (E7, E8, or E9). Each year, application packages are reviewed and graded by a group of Master Chief Petty Officers in the Washington, D.C. area.
Miss Odom’s grandfather Alfred Lee Odom was an Aircraft Maintenanceman Master Chief (AFCM) and served in the United States Navy from 1959-1981.
STATEMENTS:
“Sophia’s application stood out among the other applicants due to her high academic performance, extensive extracurricular activities, and glowing recommendations from leaders in her community. We cannot think of a better way to honor her late grandfather’s service in the Navy and her academic achievements than by granting her the Navy Memorial Scholarship,” said Command Master Chief Victor Smith, USN, Ret., the Director of the Delbert D. Black National Chief’s Mess. “We congratulate Sophia and wish her the best of luck as she pursues her education at the University of Arkansas.”
“What an honor to be awarded the US Navy Memorial Scholarship,” said Sophia Odom. “My nana (Master Chief Odom’s widow) was here for my graduation when I received the scholarship announcement, and she was so proud. She helped me with the paperwork needed to show his service and separation from the US Navy. Thank you!”
For more information, please contact Victor Smith at vsmith@navymemorial.org.
About US Navy Memorial
The US Navy Memorial is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present and future; and to Inform the public about their service. The Navy Memorial is located at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.
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