Heather Marshall of Gainesville has earned the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award, bronze, during the 2015-2016 academic year. She recently was recognized by Valdosta State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Detachment 172.

Those who receive a medal must exemplify six qualities that define character: courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service.

The local Legion post involved with the school makes the selection upon receiving recommendation from students and faculty.