Olivia Downs, a rising sophomore at the University of Mississippi, has been awarded the Nicholas D. Chabraja Scholarship by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). This $5,000 scholarship is a testament to Olivia’s remarkable achievements in both academics and community service, highlighting her commitment to excellence and leadership.

A Biomedical Engineering major, Olivia is passionate about pursuing a career in vaccination and therapeutic pharmaceutical research and development. Her academic journey is underscored by a deep dedication to serving others—a value instilled in her from a young age growing up in Madison, Alabama. As the youngest of five children, Olivia's experiences have shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual, traits that are evident in her extensive involvement with the Girl Scouts for over 13 years.

Olivia’s accolades are numerous. She is a member of the 2023 AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Volunteer Family of the Year and received the Madison Visionary Partners Youth Volunteer of the Year award. Her commitment to service is further reflected in her active participation with the Girl Scouts, American Legion, VFW, and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Legacy Chapter, where she continues to make a significant impact in the community.

In addition to her academic and volunteer work, Olivia has demonstrated strong leadership skills as a co-leader for a Girl Scout troop and as a Girl Scout Summer Camp Counselor and Lifeguard. Her leadership and dedication to service are further demonstrated by numerous awards, including the Girl Scout Gold Award, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Education Scholarship, and multiple Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.

The Nicholas D. Chabraja Scholarship not only recognizes Olivia’s past accomplishments but also supports her future endeavors as she continues her studies and prepares to contribute to the field of biomedical engineering. Her commitment to her community, her academic excellence, and her leadership abilities make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

Olivia Downs is an inspiration to her peers and the broader community. Her achievements reflect the core values of AUSA, and she is well on her way to making significant contributions, both academically and in her future professional career. Congratulations to Olivia on this well-deserved honor.