Ashley Odom `25 Receives Full-Tuition Scholarship from Ohio State University

According to a study done by Lewis University, less than one percent of freshmen entering college receive a full-tuition scholarship from their chosen university, and Ashley Odom `25 (Liberty Township) has just joined that exceptionally rare group. The Ohio State University has awarded Ashley the Stamps Eminence Scholarship, making her only the second Cincinnati Country Day School student to earn the scholarship since its inception in 2006.

“I’m very flattered and very excited,” says Ashley about receiving the scholarship. “I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m looking forward to attending Ohio State and joining the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program so I have more opportunities to make the world a better place.”

By becoming a Stamps Eminence Scholar, Ashley will receive full tuition for up to 18 credit hours per semester, along with room and board, a book allowance, and coverage for other miscellaneous expenses. She will also become a member of the Bradley Hall Honors Community, gain access to up to $5,000 in enrichment funding after completing her first year to fund research, study abroad, or pursue other creative endeavors. 

Ashley credits Chuck McGivern, associate director of college counseling, for helping her application stand out by reviewing her essay and encouraging her to create a memorable video for the selection committee.

“Mr. McGivern challenged me to make my video unique,” says Ashley. “So, instead of just talking about my accomplishments and why I deserve the scholarship, I decided to focus on the people in my life who made me, me! I wanted them (the selection committee) to see how important community is to me and how I believe we should give back to those who have helped us along the way.”

“Because of Ashley's talents and earnestness inside and outside the classroom, I wasn't terribly surprised she earned the Stamps Eminence Scholarship. Ashley is a scholar, through and through,” says McGivern, who was also Ashley’s English teacher her freshman year. “Ashley has consistently raised the academic bar for everyone, peers and teachers alike. I certainly won't be surprised if she makes an indelible impact as a Stamps Scholar, knowing she's made her mark in various programs here at Country Day.”

Jenn Weinheimer, head of Upper School, notes that Ashley has fully embraced the opportunities at Country Day, allowing her to grow and shine in many areas.

“From theater to science to her leadership in student clubs, she has made an impact both inside and outside of our classrooms,” says Weinheimer. “We know that she’s well prepared to find success and shape her world at OSU.”

Ashley knows that her experiences at Country Day have prepared her to succeed in her next chapter of life.

“I have had such incredible teachers who have made me love learning. They have challenged me academically, and through their classes, they have taught me to have empathy, not just for my immediate community, but also for the outside world.”

Ashley plans to major in nursing with a minor in Spanish. She has already been accepted into Ohio State’s College of Nursing, which typically requires undergraduate students to apply after completing pre-nursing coursework in their freshman year.

For more information about the Stamps Eminence Scholarship, visit https://honors-scholars.osu.edu/eminence.