The award honors the ODK member who shows exemplary leadership in ODK Circle and on campus, maintains high scholarship, and is committed to the ideals of the organization.

Bratcher, a daughter of Thomas and Peggy Bratcher of McMinnville, Tenn., was the ODK Circle president at USC. Bratcher worked to revive Arbor Day and encouraged ODK members to work in the Sundial Garden on the Horseshoe.

A member of Chi Omega Sorority, Bratcher also was president of USC's Sorority Council. She was an active member in the USC Student Senate and the Anthropology Students Association. In 2003, Bratcher was named a Harry S. Truman Scholar and one of Glamour Magazine's Top 10 College Women.

At USC, Bratcher, a student in the Honors College, received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the University's highest honor for undergraduates.

The Omicron Delta Kappa Society Inc., the national leadership honor society for college students, recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. ODK was founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., by 15 student and faculty leaders. Omicron Delta Kappa was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities. Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa is a mark of highest distinction and honor.

USC has had more students named ODK Leader of the Year than any other college or university. Six students have received the award since it was first given in 1975.

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