Chelsea Megan Fisher is the winner of the inaugural Richard Scharlock Senior of the Year Award.

Richard Scharlock was a former student and 2006 graduate of Summerville High School. While at SHS, he was known as a respectful, hard- working, fun-loving, always smiling young man who put forth great effort in everything he did.

Less than 2 months after Richard walked across the stage in his cap and gown, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery was performed to remove the brain tumor, but Richard's motor skills were impacted by the surgery. He lost his ability to talk, walk, and swallow. Extensive therapy was required to train another portion of Richard's brain to control these lost motor skills. Within 19 months, Richard had made significant progress and he was even walking again with the assistance of arm and leg braces.

On March 16, 2008, after one year and seven months of being in remission, Richard was diagnosed with spinal cancer. This rare form of cancer is usually found in young children, who range in age from 6 months to 7 years old. Despite all of Richard's medical problems, he continued to face his day to day routine with courage, strength and an unwillingness to give up. He peacefully passed away at home on the morning of Thursday, May 22, 2008, at the age of 21. Richard was an incredible young man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The Richard Scharlock Award was established this year at Summerville High School. Chelsea Megan Fisher was the 2008 Richard Scharlock Senior Award Recipient. She exhibits all of Richard's best characteristics.

This outstanding senior was not always known for her ability to rise above. She has overcome major obstacles in her personal, academic, and social life. Despite all of this, Miss. Fisher continues to set high standards for herself and refuses to let anyone hold her back. Miss. Fisher has become a leader and a role model amongst her peers and proven her unwillingness to give up.

Her accomplishments include: successful completion of the Nail Tech program through Dorchester Career School. Soon, Miss. Fisher will be a licensed Nail Technician in the State of South Carolina.

In addition, she was accepted and has completed the pilot WorkKeys Certificate program at Adult Education. This program links education and career readiness together to support her academic credentials.

This young woman exhibits strength, courage and commitment to success each and every day. Miss. Chelsea Fisher is a wonderful example of the characteristics Richard would want everyone to develop.