Twenty- two African American seniors in 18 South Carolina public high schools have been named winners in the 45th annual National Achievement Scholarship competition. They are among 800 students to achieve this honor for 2009.

The National Achievement Program is conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not- for- profit organization that operates without government assistance.

National Achievement awards began in 1964 to recognize promising black students. More than 29,000 recipients have received scholarships worth $93 million over the years.

Local 2009 National Achievement Scholarship winners include
• Alexandria N. Griddine,
Dreher High School
• Leandra M. Lacy, Dreher
High School
• Mikelle D. Street, Airport
High School
• Sheneka S. White, Ridge
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