A West Virginia University student and Rotary Scholar will spend a year studying abroad and acting as a goodwill ambassador in Africa.

Charleston native Emily Waldie was recently awarded the 2007-08 Rotary International District 7530 Ambassadorial Scholarship, established to further international understanding through humanitarian service, personal diplomacy and academic excellence.

Valued at up to $26,000, the award covers round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room and board and educational supplies for one year of study abroad.

Waldie, a WVU sophomore, said she looks forward to putting her education into practice through outreach experiences offered through the University of Malawi in Zomba.

When I heard about this scholarship, I realized that it was not only a great opportunity, but a chance to support growing peace and understanding in our world,she said.I desire to study in a developing country to learn and know the people.

Waldie, a human nutrition and foods major at WVU , plans to make a career of helping malnourished mothers and children in impoverished countries.

I would love to work in third-world countries, where hunger and nutrient deficiency are prevalent,she said.It is such an opportunity to try to change things for the better for othersfor people who cant even imagine the things we take for granted every day in the United States: clean water, a place to sleep, food on the table.

Not only do I want to bring them medical aid, I want to bring them hope, knowing that there are people out there who care about them,she added.

While at WVU , Waldie has been active in the Student Dietetic Association, a campus organization that promotes healthy dietary practices, and served as a Bible study leader through Young Life, a Christian ministry for teenagers.

Rotarians in District 7530 are extremely pleased to have Emily Waldie represent our organization,said David Riggleman, district governor-elect.Emily has the passion to improve the quality of life for all mankind, and that is why she will represent our district, state and nation so well in Africa.

The ambassadorial scholarship program is the worlds largest privately sponsored international scholarship program. Since its inception in 1947, the program has sponsored more than 30,000 Rotary scholars.

About 800 ambassadorial scholarships are awarded annually by Rotary International. Scholars participate in service projects and speak to Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations and other groups.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

Students who are either fromor studying inone of the 29 West Virginia counties that make up District 7530 are eligible to apply for the Rotary International District 7530 Ambassadorial Scholarship. The district includes: Barbour, Braxton, Brooke, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Monongalia, Ohio, Pleasants, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt and Wood.