Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Shine My Crown
Historic! 17-Year-Old From South Carolina Accepted Into The Coast Guard Academy
By Gee NY,
2024-05-15
Eriyonna Walcott, senior at Sumter High School, is the first Sumter School District student to be accepted into the United States Coast Guard Academy in 12 years. ADAM FLASH / THE SUMTER ITEM
“Since I was probably like five or six years old, I justwantedto go to the military. My uncle, he’s an officer in the Coast Guard. He retired as a commander in the Coast Guard, and I’ve always looked up to him my whole life,” Walcott shared.
Initially considering enlisting right after high school, Walcott’s plans shifted after participating in Sumter High School’s ROTC program and receiving guidance from Gear Up counselor Audrika Gadson.
“I’ve never been the type of person to want to go to college or anything. That didn’t happen ’til last year, late summer. Ms. Gadson from seventh grade up until my 11th grade year summer, she’s been juggling with me trying to convince me to go to college, so you know, Gear Up has really helped me.”
Principal Anamaria Sandor highlighted the impact of Gear Up, explaining that it exposed students to various college options and resources to navigate the application process effectively.
Expressing her gratitude for the support system that propelled her forward, Walcott acknowledged the importance of believing in oneself and seizing opportunities for personal and academic growth.
She also stated that there are many benefits of pursuing higher education alongside military service, citing increased opportunities for advancement and commissioning.
Walcott’s acceptance into the Coast Guard Academy marks a significant milestone for South Carolina, with only one individual from the state admitted so far for the upcoming academic year.
“Another thing that got me here is all my support system. So, you know, myparentsgot number one, my principal, you know, everybody; they just kept encouraging me. So I really appreciate that,” she said.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0