Dana’s dream to attend The Citadel began when she was in the eighth grade. One of her teachers introduced himself on the first day of school by sharing about his own experiences at the historic military school in Charleston, S.C. Dana took note of the sense of structure and discipline, and the life-long friendships her teacher talked about making as a cadet.
“I’ve always wanted to join the military,” Dana explains. “But that was the year I started dreaming of becoming a Citadel cadet.”
Support from the Connie Maxwell Family
Dana’s dream didn’t remain just a dream. The team at Connie Maxwell, where Dana has lived since she was 10 years old, played a crucial role in helping her realize this ambition. They facilitated several campus visits, including one particularly memorable trip to celebrate her birthday in April 2023. During this visit, Dana attended a chapel service and shadowed a student, which solidified her decision to apply.
Her participation in an ROTC summer camp further deepened her connection to the campus and her resolve to become a cadet.
“Toward the end of camp, I was doing homework with friends and talking about the memories we’d made,” she recalls. “We experienced difficult things there together but made the best of the situation. I looked at them and said, ‘I’m going to miss this!’”
A Bright Spirit with a Clear Vision
If you were to meet Dana, you’d immediately notice her outgoing personality and positive outlook on life. Now a high school graduate, she’s more focused than ever on her future. She’s quick to share her professional goals and the path she plans to take to achieve them, including studying biology and minoring in Spanish at The Citadel, with the goal of becoming a trauma surgeon.
“I’ve always been interested in medicine and know that I want to help people, and trauma surgeons are able to address greater areas within the body than a specialized surgeon,” she explains. Dana also plans to join the National Guard while at The Citadel, with a long-term goal of joining the Army and pursuing a medical degree.
The Day Her Dream Came True
The day Dana received her acceptance letter from The Citadel was unforgettable. With a mixture of nerves and excitement, she tore open the envelope and was overjoyed to find she had been accepted. “I ran around and showed everyone in the house because I was so happy and just amazed that I got in,” she says, her laughter filling the room.
That same evening, at Connie Maxwell’s Christmas event, Dana couldn’t wait to share her news with President Danny Nicholson and Vice President Eric Taylor, both of whom had supported her dream. “I told them with the biggest smile on my face. I’ve known them longer than most people, and they’ve both always been there for me.”
The Impact of the Connie Maxwell Community
Dana is quick to express her gratitude for the Connie Maxwell community. “I have my own home, but Connie Maxwell is like my home because I’ve been here since I was 10 years old,” she says. “But it is not just some place to live, the people here at Connie Maxwell make sure you have the best education possible, they help with homework, make sure you have clothes, and shoes. And they’re not just people who take care of kids, they are here to help you grow mentally, physically, and spiritually.”
Dana highlights the network of people who have worked together to help her and other children become the best versions of themselves. For Dana, Connie Maxwell is more than just a place; it’s a family that has prepared her for success in life.
Equestrian Director Lauren Jones has been a close witness to Dana’s growth over the years. “I’ve had the privilege to work with Dana for 8 years, and I am so thankful to have known such a beautiful soul! It’s rare to meet someone who explodes with passion like Dana and lights up every room she walks in. I’ve watched her confidence, leadership, and mind grow working with horses. She went from being one of the smallest and most quiet to helping anyone who needed it, especially the younger kids, and outspoken. I am so proud of her in every way and know she will go on to make a huge impact in the world with anything she decides to do.”
Dana was also a member of the Connie Maxwell equestrian team, where she competed throughout her time at the home. Additionally, she participated in MaxFit, the fitness and wellness program on campus, where she worked closely with Fitness and Wellness Specialist, Lauren Boyd to prepare her body for the physical demands of The Citadel.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As Dana prepares to leave for The Citadel, she acknowledges the bittersweet nature of her departure. “I knew this day would come. I have a big ‘army’ here praying for me, but it hits different to realize that I’m leaving the campus and will not be living here anymore,” Dana says before adding that she wants “to give back to Connie Maxwell because they’ve given me so much during these last eight years. I’m grateful for everything.”
A Legacy of Achievement
Dana’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams, the importance of community, and the strength of the human spirit. She leaves behind a legacy at Connie Maxwell—a bright light formed from the love and dedication of many employees, volunteers, friends, and family. As she embarks on her new adventure at The Citadel, Dana knows she will carry a piece of Connie Maxwell with her always.
From winning the Junior ROTC Award of Merit to qualifying for the 4H Southern Regional Championships, Dana’s achievements are a source of pride for all who know her. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who has brought so much joy and inspiration to the Connie Maxwell community, but there is no doubt that Dana is destined to continue shining brightly as she pursues her dreams and “runs with the horses” into her future.
