Incoming Dance Major Awarded UCO Legacy Scholarship

August 8, 2006

Rachel Parks, a 2006 graduate of Edmond North High School, is one of three students to be selected for the University of Central Oklahoma Alumni Association’s Legacy Scholarship.

The scholarship helps provide a university education for children and grandchildren of UCO alumni, awarding $500 per fall and spring semester of the school year.

Rachel is the daughter of Bill and Sherry Parks of Edmond. She plans on double majoring in pre-chiropractics and dance at UCO. After graduating, she would like to do choreography, further her dancing with dance companies and pursue a career as a chiropractor.

Growing up just down the street from UCO, Parks attributes her passion for dance to memories of watching the Kaleidoscope Dancers in UCO’s Mitchell Hall.

“I can remember going to see the Kaleidoscope Dancers as a child and dreaming that one day I’d have the chance to be on that stage and dance with them,” Parks said.

“At UCO, I see all of the hardworking dancers and how each one is pushed to their maximum potential. To study under the magnificent staff has always been a dream of mine. I want to work hard and contribute to the dance program in any way possible.”

Park’s high school academics and essay stating her interests and goals were criteria used by the university during its annual Alumni Association selection process.

She graduated from Edmond North High School with a 3.98 grade-point average, receiving recognition as a member of the Oklahoma Honor Society and Who’s Who among High School Students and Athletes during her freshman and sophomore years, a member of the National Honor Society during her junior and senior years and numerous other awards and honors.

While attending Edmond North, Parks immersed herself in dance, serving as both captain of the pom pon squad and dance coordinator. She was also a member of the NDA All-American Dance Team, OSDTDA West Regional Dance Team and All-State Dance Team during her senior year.

She held offices as vice-president and secretary for Students United for Nature and was an active member of FFA throughout all four years of her high school career.

Parks said she wants to continue her involvement in organizations by taking on leadership roles on campus and getting involved in a variety of clubs and organizations.

“I believe the only way to enrich your college experience is by getting involved in student activities on campus,” Parks said.

“I would like to make a difference on campus as well as in the community through my involvement in various clubs and organizations.”

Others named to receive the UCO Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship this year are Kylee Skaggs, 2006 graduate of Choctaw High School, and Stephanie Howard, a 2006 graduate of Chandler High School.

“Many wonderful candidates apply and we hope to see the scholarship grow in the future,” said Alumni Relations Executive Director Stacy McNeiland.
“We are excited to welcome Rachel and the other scholarship recipients to the university as we expand our UCO family.”

Recognizing the strong diversity at UCO, Parks said the campus life that she witnessed during her first tour played a big role in her decision to attend the university.

“I am proud to say that I will be following in my father and grandmother’s footsteps upon enrolling at this university,” Parks said.

“There is no better place for me to accomplish my goals than at UCO and I look forward to living on campus and contributing to the diversity of the school.”

Page updated 8/8/06