Senior wins Ruth Kelly Scholarship

Erskine College senior psychology major Sarah Baroody was awarded the Ruth Kelly Scholarship at the Mental Health America-Abbeville County (MHAAC) banquet March 18. The scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding Erskine student majoring in a field leading to a career in mental health service and is given in memory of a leader in mental health work in Abbeville.

The presentation was made by Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Briana Van Scoy.

“Sarah is an intelligent, hard-working, and motivated student,” Van Scoy said. “She takes initiative and conducts her own individual research in the field of psychology. She has presented twice at the annual Carolinas Psychology Conference.”

“I’m so thrilled to have been selected to receive this award!” Baroody said.

“I love being a part of the Erskine psychology department and have learned so much from my wonderful professors,” she added, mentioning Professor of Psychology Dr. Robert Elsner and Professor of Sociology Dr. Steve Sniteman along with Van Scoy.

“I plan to go on for a master’s degree in education or educational psychology and hope to conduct research on learning methods and development,” Baroody said.

“She is compassionate and has a heart for helping others, in particular children,” Van Scoy said. “It was an honor to present her with the Ruth Kelly Scholarship and she certainly deserved to receive it.”

Baroody, whose hometown is Ridgeway, S.C., is a member of the Erskine Choraleers, serves as president of Chi Women, and is a Student Life Assistant in Bonner Hall. She also works part-time at a child care center and is the student photographer for Erskine’s Communications Office.