By: Alivia Evans

Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)  is a prestigious achievement, as only the top 35% of a class is invited to join; typically, students are not eligible until their sophomore year. However, freshman Rae Rupert was recently awarded this honor, making her an exception to the rule.

ODK is a national honor society that recognizes students for both academic excellence and leadership. Rather than selecting members based on a single accomplishment, the organization evaluates a wide range of criteria. Along with maintaining a high GPA, candidates are expected to demonstrate involvement such as athletics, campus organizations, the arts, and community service. This well-rounded approach ensures that members embody scholarship, leadership, and service.

Rae Rupert, a second-semester freshman at West Virginia Wesleyan College, meets these standards. During her first semester, she earned a 3.95 GPA while actively competing as a collegiate volleyball athlete. Her background reflects a consistent commitment to both academics and extracurricular activities. In high school, she participated in multiple sports, including basketball, track, and volleyball, was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), and maintained honor student status.

Rupert said she was “extremely shocked, but pleased to be a part of the organization,” adding that ODK provides opportunities to connect with other high-achieving students. She also highlighted key benefits of membership, including networking opportunities, access to scholarships, and connections with ODK alumni.

Rae’s early induction into ODK demonstrates the purpose of honor societies like ODK on the West Virginia Wesleyan campus. For high-achieving students, it represents dedication, leadership, and involvement. ODK offers a place to connect with like-minded peers while also helping members build their future careers through alumni networks, scholarships, and opportunities, just as it has begun to do for students like Rae Rupert.

Credit: West Virginia Wesleyan Instagram