Local Chick-fil-A employee receives leadership scholarship

Enterprise Chick-fil-A Team Leader Rachel Alexander was chosen to receive a $2,000 Leadership Scholarship through the restaurant chain.

Alexander was chosen by Chick-fil-A to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Those funds will be equally matched by Enterprise franchisee Josh Waddy.

Waddy, who nominated Alexander for the scholarship, said her hard work made her a perfect fit for the scholarship.

"Rachel's been with us almost two years and has really been an asset with her work ethic," Waddy said. "She has been in a leadership position and has a really great attitude, wants to help and fits the profile of an ideal Chick-fil-A team member."

According to a press release from Chick-fil-A, the Leadership Scholarship Program was started by Chick-fil-A Founder Truett Cathy in 1973 "to incent restaurant team members to further their education."

The release said over 35,000 team members have received scholarships, equal to over $35 million, through the program.

Alexander is currently finishing her freshman year at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Opp. She is studying diagnostic medical sonography to become an ultrasound technician. When she is not in school, she's working at the Enterprise Chick-fil-A location.

Alexander said she is happy to have Waddy's support to continue her education.

"It definitely means a lot," Alexander said. "It's very beneficial, and it's going to go a long way. I'll apply it to tuition."

Waddy said he hopes to see more team members be honored with the scholarship.

"This is the first scholarship that this restaurant has awarded," Waddy said. "It's been open about two years, and she's the first of what we hope will be many (recipients)."