GSSM Senior Rachel Graham Named Region 2A Runner of the Year and National YoungArts Award Winner

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 8, 2025) – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) proudly celebrates senior Rachel Graham of Lancaster, S.C., for being named the Region 2A Runner of the Year and a 2025 National YoungArts award winner in Writing/Nonfiction. These accolades showcase Rachel’s remarkable dedication to both athletics and academics, embodying the well-rounded excellence GSSM encourages in its students.   

As captain of the girls’ cross-country team, Rachel led by example, inspiring teammates to push their limits. Under the guidance of Coach Randell Ewing, who was also honored as the Girls Cross-Country Region 2A Coach of the Year, Rachel played a pivotal role in securing the team’s third consecutive regional championship. “Rachel is one of the toughest runners I have ever been associated with,” said Coach Ewing. “She is a take-charge kind of student.”   

Reflecting on her cross-country journey, Rachel shared, “I always did other sports, but when I started running, I realized this is what I was meant to do. Running is so mental, and with Coach Ewing’s guidance, I find ways to push past my limits.”   

Rachel balances her athletic achievements with a strong passion for research and writing. She was named a 2025 National YoungArts award winner in Writing/Nonfiction, an honor accompanied by a cash prize and opportunities for professional development. Rachel has excelled in GSSM’s advanced research programs, focusing on plant science, including work in the school’s hydroponic research lab and a summer research project at Winthrop University.   

“Rachel’s success on the course, in the classroom, and through research makes her an exemplary Govie,” said Danny Dorsel, President of GSSM. “We are so proud of Rachel for this accomplishment that took hours of dedication and training to achieve. In a similar fashion, Rachel applied that discipline of working hard to her academics, in exploring plants bred in controlled environments in the GSSM hydroponic research lab and the impact of non-native plant species on the eastern box turtle over the summer at Winthrop University.”   

Rachel attributes much of her growth to the supportive GSSM community. “Being a residential student creates a unique bond with my teammates and classmates. We eat, study, and train together, which makes our achievements even more special,” she said.   

GSSM congratulates Rachel Graham and Coach Ewing on their well-deserved recognitions, celebrating the incredible balance of academic and athletic excellence that defines the GSSM experience.   

### 

About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics 
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is a nationally ranked top 10 public high school that exists to bring world-class STEM education to students across the state. Founded in 1988 by Governor Carroll Campbell, GSSM is a state resource that offers a variety of programs including an intensive 2-year residential high school, a challenging virtual engineering program, summer camps, and in-school experiences for students in 3rd through 12th grades. At GSSM challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. Learn more about how we help students realize their full potential by visiting www.scgssm.org.