The Brookhaven Exchange Club had a surprise for one young woman who attended the club’s meeting Wednesday.

Rorie Thomas, a recent graduate of Brookhaven High School, attended the meeting to be recognized as an outstanding volunteer for her community. The club presented her with a plaque for her endeavors, as well as a hearty round of applause and a share of the club’s usual home-cooked meal.

But before she could go back to her seat with her family, the club had a surprise for her: A scholarship check for $500.

Thomas’s cheeks turned red at the announcement, but then her face broke out in a huge smile as she leaned in to hug club member Ray Glass, who had presented the check to her. “Thank you!” she said enthusiastically and emotionally.

“I was shocked!” Thomas said afterward. “I didn’t expect that.”

Thomas plans to use the funds to further her career at Co-Lin, where she plans to major in elementary education.

However, that’s not all she’ll study. “I told her to study tax preparation, too,” Thomas’s mother said with a knowing look. “It’s always good to have something else.”