Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 36, 16th Regiment South Carolina Volunteers inaugurated an Essay Contest this year open to Cadets chosen by their Instructors to receive the H. L. Hunley Medal. Cadet Detron Burdine, Southside High School Air Force JROTC, won this year’s scholarship. Cadet Burdine’s entry is a credit to himself, his school, and his JROTC unit. It also reflects highly on his JROTC Instructors, Major Joseph E. Windley, USAF (Ret), Senior Master Sergeant Kathleen Hodge, USAF (Ret), and Master Sergeant Kenneth Gause, USAF (Ret) whose countless hours make these programs possible. Their hard work has instilled in the Cadets an eagerness to learn, and venture where most others would not.
There is no doubt that Southerners have contributed a great deal to the development of this country. I am very eager and cherish this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Sam Davis Youth Camp. I believe my inner drive to change my current situation through education and improving myself both mentally, morally and physically sets me apart from other candidates. I am hard working, dedicated and look forward to meeting new friends and learning the great heritage of our wonderful southern founding fathers. Coming from a single parent home, this experience would not be possible without your scholarship.
"Thank you for your consideration," wrote Cadet Detron Burdine.
Since the inception of the H. L. Hunley Award presented to a Cadet who demonstrated the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment (values exhibited by the last Crew of the Hunley) Camp 36 has made presentations to most JROTC units within Greenville County. We proudly support JROTC programs as our goals parallel their mission statement of “We provide educational experiences, in cooperation with the home and community that prepare students for lifelong learning and for ethical, productive participation in a democratic society and the global community.” The Sam Davis Youth Camp scholarship seemed a logical next step in working within our community. We congratulate Cadet Burdine, and wish him great success in his future ventures.
