Cody Parker, son of Kenneth and Regina Parker of Greenville, has been awarded a top scholarship from Marion Military Institute—the nation’s oldest military junior college.

Parker, a senior at Fort Dale Academy, was awarded the Leadership Scholarship in October. The scholarship will cover 50 percent of his tuition at Marion Military Institute.

This scholarship was offered based on his academic achievements and leadership positions.

“We look at ACT scores, cumulative GPA and other qualitative factors when reviewing a candidate for this particular scholarship,” says Brittany Crawford, director of admissions and member of the scholarship committee at Marion Military Institute.

Parker is a member of several clubs including, the Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Student Government Association. Parker has also played varsity football, basketball and baseball at Fort Dale.

Parker will join the Corps of Cadets this fall as a member of the Leadership Education Program, in which he will earn his associates degree in a military environment that focuses on leadership skills.

Since 1842, Marion Military Institute has achieved a national reputation for preparing young men and women for successful civilian and military careers. Students from all over the nation attend Marion Military Institute to establish a strong foundation for future study, and to take advantage of its leadership development and military training programs.