Rep. Nikki Haley today announced three winners of the 2009 Nikki Haley Scholarship.

“These three young women – Rachel Davis, Sarah Derrick, and Chariti Crum – are wonderful examples of what can happen when the student, parents, and school are fully committed to the best education possible,” Rep. Haley said. “I’m honored to have been able to play a small part in helping them farther along their paths to success – all three have incredibly bright futures ahead of them, and their parents should be extremely proud.”

Rachel Davis, the daughter of Glenn and Angela Davis of Lexington, attended Lexington High School where she was a member of the National Honors Society, the National Technical Honors Society, and was the Habitat for Humanity Student of the Year. Rachel is starting at Clemson University this fall, where she plans to major in biology before pursuing a career in medicine.

Sarah Derrick, the daughter of John and Mandy Derrick of Lexington, attended Lexington High School where she was a member of the National Honors Society, the National Technical Honors Society, and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Sarah is starting at Presbyterian College this fall, where she plans to pursue a career in pediatric rheumatology.

Chariti Crum, the daughter of Albert and Alfreda Crum of Lexington, attended White Knoll High School where she was Student Body President , named Teen to Watch, and was the Youth Praise and Worship Leader and the Assistant Children’s Church Director at her local church. Chariti is starting at Morris College this fall, where she plans to study towards a career in psychology.

“What so impressed me about Rachel, Sarah and Chariti is that they each had the commitment and discipline to take advantage of the opportunities and support available to them,” Rep. Haley continued. “Our challenge as a state is to ensure that every South Carolina child, no matter where he or she lives, is presented with those same opportunities.”

The Nikki Haley Scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 each, are awarded annually to deserving District 87 students. Below please find photographs of Miss Davis, Miss Derrick and Miss Crum, who joined Rep. Haley at the S.C. State House in Columbia to receive their awards.