Lacey Viche Earns Clare Philips Martin Scholarship at VSU

Lacey Viche of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2023-2024 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship. She is pictured with Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU, and Dr. Sheri Noviello, interim provost and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs.

VALDOSTA — Lacey Viche of Valdosta, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2023-2024 Clare Philips Martin Scholarship.

Viche was recognized during VSU’s annual Academic Honors and Awards Dinner on April 25.

Named for the wife of the late Dr. Sidney Walter Martin, who served as VSU’s fifth president from 1966 to 1978, the Clare Philips Martin Scholarship is presented to a student with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 who is active in both on- and off-campus activities and organizations and has earned a total of 60 academic credit hours or more.

“Receiving this award is a rewarding experience that leaves me full of gratitude for my school and serves as an additional motivating factor to continue my studies and work towards my goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist,” she said. “Oftentimes, being a student at a large institution can leave students feeling as if they are a mere number and all the hard work, time, and effort they have dedicated to their education and community goes unseen. Being selected as the recipient of this award has allowed me to realize how no student goes unseen at VSU. I am grateful for this opportunity that allows me to continue my education with less of a financial burden, and I am proud to be a Blazer.”

Viche graduated May 4 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Communication Disorders. Now she is pursuing a master’s degree in the same field, also at VSU.

“I aspire to become a speech-language pathologist with hopes of not only improving my future patients’ quality of life but also being an integral part in reestablishing their confidence,” she added. “I have had the opportunity to work at a local speech therapy clinic for the past year and a half where I have developed a deeper appreciation for the field and have found a special interest in working with patients with dysphagia and neurodegenerative disorders.”

Highlights of Viche’s time as a student at VSU include the following:

- Joining the Kappa Beta chapter of Phi Mu.

- Being accepted into the Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate program.

- Serving as a recruitment counselor for the College Panhellenic Council for two consecutive years.

- Graduating magna cum laude.

- Being accepted into graduate school.

“Without all of my friends and family, I never would be where I am today,” she said. “I have one of the most loving and encouraging support systems that anyone could ever be blessed with. Although this support system consists of many people that I am eternally thankful for, there are a few people in particular that I feel deserve recognition. My parents, Chris Viche and Mona Davis, have raised me to believe in who I am and have taught me to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Two of my best friends, Kallie Grace Vann and Taylor Slocumb, have been by my side through thick and thin. They are always only one phone call away, ready to hear my exciting news, offer encouragement in times of doubt, or serve as trusted Lacey Viche confidants. My boyfriend, Noah Vaughn, is a constant in my life who continuously supports, inspires, and pushes me to be the best version of myself. He never fails to remind me during times of uncertainty to be confident in knowing that I am exactly where I am meant to be. One of my favorite, and much-needed, reminders from him is when he points out how oftentimes I am living in the middle of exactly what I once prayed for. I know that I can always count on these people. They are some of my biggest cheerleaders and motivators.”