Ashley Wheeler, who will be a senior at Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro this fall, has been named as a Samsung American Legion Scholarship national finalist. 

Ashley, daughter of Rebecca and Billy Wheeler, was selected by the staff of Volunteer Girls State in Nashville on May 26 through June 1. Ashley was selected on the basis of academics, school and community involvement and financial need. 

As a Samsung American Legion Scholarship national finalist, she will join 97 other national finalists from around the United States each competing for one of 12 scholarships, each worth an expected $20,000.
 
Ashley has been involved in National Senior Beta Club, National Honor Society, French Club, National Senior Beta Club, LifePoint Church, Girl Scouts, Smyrna, Tn/Zama, Japan Sister City Exchange Program and Central Magnet High School Varsity Softball and  Orchestra.  Her volunteer experiences include domestic and international mission trips, Vaqueras Horse program at Camp Sycamore Hills and American Legion Junior Auxiliary projects serving veterans.

The Samsung American Legion Scholarships are funded from a $5 million endowment given by Samsung. Samsung, in recognition of the sacrifices and commitment of United States servicemen and women who served during the Korean War to maintain the security of the Korean peninsula, joined with The American Legion to offer an educational opportunity to the descendants of war-time veterans who have served honorably.

Ashley's grandfather, Harry L. Parrish Sr., served with the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict in Korea and Japan.