A 15 year old girl from Ohio is now an honorary Gator thanks to the University of Florida...

She  was granted a jacket and certificate from  the executive director of UF's alumni association.

Both were given to Sarah Maynard  from Danita Nias on the Dr.Phil talk show..

After Sarah said it was her dream to become a Gator.

Nias said Gator grads in Ohio were impressed with Sarah's courage and are  now working to help her get a scholarship..

And help prepare her for college.

    Two years ago Maynard and her younger brother come home to find their mother and a friend murdered.

Sarah's brother was then murdered by the same man right in front of Sarah.

Then she was taken hostage and sexually assaulted for four days when she was found by authorities.

She has since written a book, The Girl in the Leaves, about her experience.

She told Dr.Phil it's been difficult adjusting to her loss but she is working on staying strong.

This fall, Sarah will come to the University of Florida campus to be a Gator for a day and be a guest at a home football game.

She says that she wants to study pediatrics and play softball for the University.