An FDA student’s ability to lead and inspire others has earned him a lower bill for his college textbooks.   Braxton Daniels has been named the recipient of Troy University’s Dr. John Kline Excellence in Leadership Award, with the $500 in scholarship monies he will receive to be used for books.

When Daniels, president of Fort Dale’s SGA, attended Troy University’s Freshman Forum (the freshman branch of the school’s Student Government Assocation), he decided to apply for the monies at the university he hopes to one day call his alma mater.

“There were 200-300 students that attended, and probably every senior who attended the forum applied for the Kline Award, but only one student is chosen . . . you send them a resume, get a letter of recommendation and a nomination.  A forum committee ends up making the final decision on who receives the monies.”

Being president of his school’s student government association has given the young man a feel for what it’s like to be in charge, Daniels says.

But it’s not about a power trip, he stresses.

“Being in student government is about being effective in leading others, having a positive impact and getting things done for your fellow students,” Daniels says.

“I have really enjoyed being able to lead activities within the school. I also serve as an officer in several of our academic and community outreach clubs at FDA—and I love it all.”

Being involved in leadership roles at FDA has helped “keep me involved and keep me focused on school while I am at school.”

Daniels also lauded his fellow student government members for their  steady support and willingness to work.

“We are so blessed to have a really good group in our SGA this year,” he says.

“It’s just awesome how we have really worked so well together and we are also close to each other. And because we do work so well together, we are able to get a lot of things done. And I am so proud of that.”

Daniels says he is planning to pursue a degree in rehabilitation at Troy with an ultimate goal to work with both adults and children with special needs.

The Dr. John Kline Excellence in Leadership Award looks for a student leader who has “exemplified the all-important attributes of a good attitude, servant leadership and is an outstanding student at his or her school.” They are expected to always educate others, think of ways to overcome obstacles, show a compassionate heart and a willingness to serve and be willing to work diligently at whatever may lay ahead of them. Dr. Kline joined Troy University’s faculty in 2000 as a professor of education, becoming the director of the Institute of Leadership Development in 2003. Prior to joining Troy’s faculty, he served as the provost and highest ranking civilian employee at the U.S. Air Force’s Air University, retiring in 2000.