St. Louis, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) announced on Tuesday that Missouri Baptist women's track and field team member, Taylor Hosna, has been named to the 2012-2013 ARC/NAIA Leadership Program.

The program, which began in 2007, was created to "exemplify the core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program; inspire a new generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders; promote diversity on Red Cross Blood Region boards of directors; foster leadership opportunities; champion a philanthropic cause; and impact local communities."

Hosna, along with a handful of other NAIA athletes from around the nation, were chosen as leaders in the Red Cross cause. Each athlete was chosen from a long list of candidates who applied back in November. "Winning this scholarship is a great honor," said Hosna after being notified that she had been chosen. "The scholarship will open many doors for me and, in return, I hope to open many door for those in need."

Each athlete will receive a $2,000 scholarship on behalf of the Red Cross, the NAIA and State Farm Insurance. Hosna will now gear-up for an intense two weeks of training at the Red Cross national headquarters in Washington, D.C. over the summer. This time also serves as a kick-off to their year where each athlete will serve on their local blood region Board of Directors and will work to either form or join a Red Cross club on-campus and recruit blood donors for campus blood drives.

Women's track and field coach, Patricia Hanna, nominated Hosna for the award because of the leadership that she shows on and off the track. "Taylor personifies the type of student-athlete we have here at Missouri Baptist," said Hanna.

Coach Hanna is no stranger to the American Red Cross. She has been a faithful volunteer to the organization for 10 years. "I am excited to work with Taylor on the blood drives so that Missouri Baptist can continue its great service to the people of St. Louis!"