This week, I had the opportunity to meet with some exceptional members of South Carolina’s public education system. Easley High School’s Navy Junior ROTC unit made their annual pilgrimage to the Washington D.C. area to visit museums, the United States Naval Academy, monuments, and the U.S. Capitol. The Navy Junior ROTC program allows high school students to gain an understanding of the military and its values, history, and traditions. NJROTC emphasizes learning about citizenship, personal responsibility, and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

Easley High School’s NRJOTC unit is distinguished with academic honors since 2000, and has won over 600 trophies since its commissioning in 1993. Under the guidance of Chief Strauder, these students have excelled, and continue to excel, in their unit, school, and their personal lives. These 35 NRJOTC cadets met with me for a few minutes, and I had the privilege to pin on rank advancements for 14 students. The three seniors informed me of their future collegiate plans: one to the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and to the United States Naval Academy. Truly, South Carolina’s finest are representing us well. Our children are our greatest blessings, and it was my honor to meet these outstanding high school students.