Mr. and Mrs. Mark Beckett of Orlando, Fla. announce the engagement of their daughter Miss Lauren Elizabeth Beckett to Mr. Richard Wilkin Thom, son of Mrs. Ruth Repass Thom of Murrayville and the late Mr. Robert James "Gator Bob" Thom.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick R. Persell of Jamestown, N. Y., and Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Edward Beckett of Hartsfield, Ind.

She is a 2003 graduate of First Academy of Orlando in Orlando. She graduated in 2008 from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., with a bachelor's degree in business marketing. She is employed as an administrative assistant and Flames Club membership coordinator with Liberty University in Lynchburg.

The groom-elect is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Robert P. Repass of Athens and the late Mrs. E.R. Thom.

He is a 2003 graduate of R. W. Johnson High School in Gainesville. He graduated in 2008 from Liberty University with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and exercise science. He is employed as a physical therapist assistant with Rehab Associates of Central Virginia in Lynchburg.

The couple plan to wed July 25, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Orlando.