Nykia's Story

Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club sponsors scholarships for at-risk youth
Nykia, an articulate speaker with high academic potential, remembers making straight "A's" in school before the streets of hard knocks became her mentor and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice her home for two years, ending in December 2005. Just weeks after her release, she was settling into college life as a freshman at Columbia College, a highly regarded liberal arts college for women in Columbia, SC and trying to put her future first.
Nykia didn't seriously envision college as an option while incarcerated. Razor-wire fences surrounded her stark prison dormitory. However, she recognized that education is the key to a better life and upon release from DJJ enrolled in college for the opportunity to make the most of her life.
While speaking at a recent meeting of the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club, Nykia spoke of the importance of scholarships and education to youth, particularly those with limited resources such as herself. "I have faced obstacles that I placed in front of myself,'' said Nykia. "I have been there. I know what it is like being in trouble, but I am still standing. I am here to let you know that opportunities and education are everything.''
Obviously, the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club agrees and realizes the struggles of Nykia and others who are facing similar situations. The club has embraced the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and its work with the state's youthful offenders. One of the projects initiated by this collaboration is the commitment of the club to award two $500 scholarships each year to youth at DJJ. "The scholarship fund is structured so that the scholarships can be used as their needs permit,'' said Dr. Carey Hite, President of the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club. "We are committed to staying involved with DJJ. In fact, we look forward to continuing this as well as other projects to assist staff in their endeavors to help these young people find their way.''
Nykia knows it is to her advantage to use negative experiences to forge positive new beginnings for herself and other young people through educational opportunities.
"I don't believe that our future should be in danger because no one is willing to help. I don't think the opportunity should stop. I am here to forge a path for others to become successful law-abiding citizens and students.''