Ms. Lacy, one of two Rotary scholars representing District 5830, which includes 45 Rotary clubs in three states and Marshall, has a thick, overflowing binder that documents her nearly yearlong application process.

As she puts it, this scholarship is a big deal. Competition is fierce, said Rotarian Carrol Fletcher, a past district governor who serves on the district's ambassadorial scholarship committee.

"Only the cream of the crop are chosen," Fletcher said, adding, "At the interview, we sometimes have a difficult decision."

Fletcher said the committee chooses applicants on a variety of criteria including academics, community service and leadership ability. During the personal interview, they look for poise under pressure and the applicant's knowledge of Rotary and the country in which they want to study.