Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has named Rachel Smith, a one-year member of the Smyrna Unit, the 2011-12 Darden Scholar. She receives a $3,000 college scholarship from Recipe for Success™ workshop sponsor Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation. Smith was one of 68 members selected as a BGCA Darden Scholar after participating in the highly interactive, college-readiness workshop.

Recipe for Success focuses on inspiring Boys & Girls Club members to pursue their dreams and set ambitious goals by introducing them to the possibilities of postsecondary education. The program strives to support Boys & Girls Club’s mission of inspiring and enabling youth to reach their full potential and achieve a great future. The two-hour workshop assisted the participants in exploring potential career paths and areas of study; provided tools and resources for academic planning; and helped them to develop financial management skills and research tips for scholarship funding sources. Workshop participants were also given insight on the importance of setting goals; balancing school, family and social life; and the impact social networking has on their lives beyond high school.

Rachel Smith has been a member of the Club for over a year, though she accomplished many things during that time.  During her membership, she served as a volunteer tutor for younger members, mentored youth and peers, participated in the Junior Staff program (a job readiness program), and served as the President of the Keystone Club (a teen leadership program that focuses on community service).

Smith, a graduate of Smyrna High School, was always involved with extra-curricular activities. During her high school career, she participated in the Jr. Class School League, Student Council, Drama Club, Beta Club, and Future Business Leaders of America. She graduated with the Class of 2011 with a 3.9 GPA. Now Smith is gearing up for college as she’ll be attending the University of Memphis this fall. Majoring in Criminology, she is hoping to eventually land a career with FBI.

“Darden believes in creating opportunities for others,” said Angela Woods, director of Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation. “Recipe for Success is designed to enable and empower youth to pave their own path to success by providing access to the tools and information necessary to navigate the process of postsecondary education.”