Clinton Post 56 Hosts Annual Recognition Banquet Honoring Students and Gold Star Family

On Saturday, August 9, Copeland-Davidson American Legion Post 56 and Auxiliary Unit 56 of Clinton held their annual recognition banquet to honor the students who attended the American Legion Leadership programs. This year, they also recognized an exceptional “Gold Star Family,” the Egglestons.

Palmetto Boys State and Palmetto Girls State are programs designed to provide a distinctive opportunity for young men and women to understand the American system of government and politics by engaging in a mock governmental system. Students are assigned to mock cities and the two-party system. They have the opportunity to learn about governmental, patriotic, and civic objectives through interactive learning. The week is filled with educational opportunities and the formation of long-term friendships.

The Nathan M. Wolfe Law Cadet Academy offers students first-hand experiences and insight into the operations of law enforcement agencies. The program affords these highly motivated young people an opportunity to consider law enforcement as a potential career choice. The program instills an understanding and respect for law enforcement professionals and their duties. The students spend time learning skills like archery, firearms safety and shooting, operation of a police vehicle, handcuffing, use of a police taser, and the responsibilities of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and how they fit into the realm of law enforcement.

The students must be recommended for these programs by their teachers and guidance counselors. They meet a board of Legion and Auxiliary members and receive a ranking. Only the best and brightest who exhibit leadership qualities are selected to attend these American Legion programs.

A “Gold Star Family” is one who has lost a family member while serving our country on a military mission. Army Staff Sergeant Brandon Eggleston was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during a patrol on April 26, 2012, while serving in Afghanistan. His wife Karen Eggleston and daughters Molly and Avery have been selected by Post & Unit 56 as their “Gold Star Family” of the year. Karen is now the newest member of Auxiliary Unit 56, and Molly and Avery attend Laurens High School as a rising Senior and rising Freshman. Molly was fortunate to have been selected to attend Palmetto Girls State by Laurens Post 25.

At the end of the event, special thanks was given to the individuals and businesses that contributed to helping send these students to the various programs and assisted with the recognition banquet: Mrs. Emily Bailey, Cooper Motor Company Ltd., Sadler Hughes Apothecary, Melanie & Calvin Young, Alex Riley & the Riley family, Ingles of Clinton, Trotter’s Restaurant, and Chick-fil-A of Laurens.

Photos:

• Boys State attendees: Avery C. Barnes, Noah B. Garrett, Charles E. Orr, Hunter R. Pingley, William C. Wyatt, and Post 56 Commander Rossie B. Hanna (unable to attend: Jacob King, Matthew King, and Michael “Luke” Young).
• Girls State Attendees: ALA Department President Beth Bryant, Unit 56 President Jane Hanna, Ada Ruth Tiller, Jackeline Alcudia, Zia Patel, Lillian Corley, and ALA District 7 President Brenda Collins.
• Law Cadet Academy Attendees: Post 56 member & In-resident counselor Russ Cantrell, Hayden Lollis, Jalen Bluford, and Shaniya Conway.
• Gold Star Family: Karen Eggleston, Avery Eggleston, Molly Eggleston, Unit 56 President Jane Hanna, ALA Dept. Pres. Beth Bryant, and ALA Dist. 7 Pres. Brenda Collins.