As college acceptance letters make their rounds nationwide, one high school senior from Sumter, South Carolina, has received news that’s making waves in her community.
Eriyonna Walcott, a 17-year-old student at Sumter High School, has become the first and only South Carolinian accepted into the Coast Guard Academy for the upcoming academic year.
According to WLTX-TV, Walcott’s journey to this historic achievement was inspired by her uncle, a retired Coast Guard commander, who served as a role model throughout her life.
“Since I was probably like five or six years old, I just wanted to 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.
Walcott reflected on her transition, stating:
“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.”
Thanks to the support and encouragement from Gadson and the Sumter High School community, Walcott’s academic journey took a pivotal turn.
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, my parents got number one, my principal, you know, everybody; they just kept encouraging me. So I really appreciate that,” she said.
