If you had told me in 7th grade that I’d one day be leading over 250 cadets at a military academy over a thousand miles from home, I probably would’ve laughed in disbelief. But life has a way of preparing us for challenges we never see coming. When COVID-19 shut down schools in 2020, I thought I was getting a long spring break. Instead, I was told I’d be attending Camden Military Academy for 8th grade. I was nervous, shocked, and to be honest, a little resistant.
Leaving my home in Oklahoma, my family, friends, and even my cat “Vino” behind to attend a military boarding school in South Carolina was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But looking back now, I know it was one of the best decisions my parents ever made for me.
My time at Camden Military Academy has transformed me. What started as a place full of unfamiliar faces quickly became a second home. I learned how to be independent, how to manage responsibility, and how to lead others with integrity and confidence. From becoming a squad leader in 8th grade to earning the rank of Sergeant First Class as a sophomore, every challenge was a stepping stone toward the person I am today.
By junior year, I was proud to serve as Master Sergeant and help lead Delta Company to win “Honor Company of the Year,” a title not held by Delta in over a decade. That honor opened the door to joining Battalion Staff, a group traditionally reserved for seniors. I became the first junior in recent history to serve in that capacity, a role that taught me even more about time management, mentorship, and leading under pressure.
At the same time, I found a surprising passion in public affairs. As the school’s Social Media Officer (S5), I managed CMA’s online presence across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. I led virtual tours, hosted live Q&As, and gave prospective families a real look into life at Camden. It was a unique leadership opportunity, one that connected my military training with real-world communication and marketing skills.
As a senior, I was honored with the rank of Battalion Major, the second-highest position in the Corps of Cadets and one that hadn’t been awarded in over six years. Balancing that leadership role while continuing to run our public affairs department was no easy task, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
To my fellow cadets, thank you for walking this journey with me, the laughs, the late-night talks, the early morning formations, and everything in between. To the faculty and staff who pushed me and believed in me, thank you for shaping my character and holding me to a higher standard.
Camden Military Academy didn’t just prepare me for college, it prepared me for life. While most students follow a more traditional path, we chose something different. And even if most of us didn’t choose this path ourselves at first, we’ve come to own it. CMA made us tougher, wiser, and more grounded in values like honor, duty, and respect.
As I head off to the University of South Carolina to study Business Management, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and friendships made at Camden. This place didn’t just change my life, it gave me the foundation to build my future.
Major Logan Moore – Class of 2025
