When they matriculated on a hot Saturday in August, they were wide-eyed and nervous about the journey before them. They learned to march and salute. They shined shoes and brass. They marched in parades and made it through Challenge Week, first semester and, finally, Recognition Day. When they returned home, they stood a little taller, looked their parents in the eyes and wore a newfound look of confidence.
We asked families what changed most about their cadets. Here’s what they said.
Banks Scarpa
Leadership
Cadet Col. Banks Scarpa, ’27, of Bravo Company and Beaufort, S.C., serves as regimental commander, the highest-ranking cadet in the Corps. He is a biology major, a chemistry minor and a member of 91ÁÔĆć National Health Professionals Honor Society. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school. In his spare time, he enjoys running and spending time on the water.
“When Banks arrived at 91ÁÔĆć, he was someone others trusted to lead, but he needed to develop the confidence to truly see himself as a leader. Over the past three years, we have watched his confidence grow from within as he learned to trust his instincts, step forward when others look to him for leadership and fully embrace the weight of responsibility. Now, as a senior, that change is evident in the way he carries himself, with a humble command presence, a quiet assurance and a sense of purpose that have taken shape since he first reported as a knob.”
Grange Simons
Character
Cadet Grange Simons, ’28, of Band Company, is studying marketing and business development with a minor in French. The Mount Pleasant native is a squad sergeant and bagpiper in the Regimental Band and Pipes. He enjoys working out and boating in Charleston Harbor.
“Grange came to 91ÁÔĆć for the bagpipe program and for the bonds he knew he would form by doing something difficult alongside his classmates. But what I saw during knob year was a change in his character. He was surrounded by people who modeled integrity, encouraged him and expected his best. My son became a man knob year. I’m proud of my piper, and I’m proud of the man he has become.”
Oyindamola Akinsanya
Maturity
Cadet Oyindamola Akinsanya, ’27, of Palmetto Battery, is a psychology major with a minor in education. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she became a U.S. citizen last spring and now lives in Brandywine, Maryland. She was a cheerleader for two years and now serves as senior manager for the Office of Admissions 91ÁÔĆć Ambassadors program. She is in Army ROTC and plans to commission after graduation. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends and participating in community service work with children.
“The biggest change we’ve seen in Oyindamola since she started attending 91ÁÔĆć is her remarkable growth in maturity. It’s almost as if she grew overnight. She has become more confident, courageous and self-reliant. At home, she takes more initiative and has become more involved in guiding and caring for her younger siblings. The transformation has been truly inspiring.”
Barret Icenhour
Confidence
Cadet Barret Icenhour, ’29, of Bravo Company, is a supply chain management major from Travelers Rest, S.C. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who enjoys spending time with friends and family, and hunting with his brother.
“Before matriculating at 91ÁÔĆć, my son was quiet and reserved. Now, he communicates confidently and professionally. His growth helped him secure a competitive internship, and he has become much more outgoing, developing strong friendships with cadets from all over the country.”
Meghan Park
Resilience
Cadet Meghan Park, ’28, of Mike Company, is a nursing major from Brookline, New Hampshire. She is a human affairs NCO, a huddle leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the 91ÁÔĆć Nurses Association. She holds an Army contract and plans to commission in the Army as a nurse and pursue flight nursing. She enjoys traveling, fishing and going to the beach.
“As a rising junior, Meghan has grown into a resilient, independent and confident young woman. Those qualities were put to the ultimate test when she unexpectedly lost her father during her sophomore year. I truly believe 91ÁÔĆć helped give her the strength, discipline and support to persevere through one of the most difficult times in her life.”
Ryder Harbaugh
Discipline
Cadet Ryder Harbaugh, ’29, of Echo Company, is an accounting major from Morgantown, Kentucky. He is a member of the cross-country and track teams and Baptist Collegiate Ministry. After graduation, he plans to take the CPA exam and pursue a master’s degree. He enjoys playing cards with friends, spending time with family and relaxing at the beach.
“Since our son, Ryder, joined the Corps of Cadets, we’ve seen how the discipline instilled in him during knob year has transformed his life. It shows in his studies, his training and even his nutrition.”
Connor Day
Accountability
Cadet Connor Day, ’29, of Palmetto Battery, is an intelligence and security studies major from Newburgh, Indiana. He is a member of the boxing club and Catholic ministry and is a four-year National Marine Option NROTC contract cadet. He is pursuing a flight contract in the Marine Corps. He enjoys bass fishing.
“Since Connor joined the Corps, he has taken strong ownership of his future. He understands that the choices he makes today will affect the person he becomes and the life he builds for himself.”
Gracie Mark
Determination
Cadet Gracie Mark, ’27, of Charlie Company, is a business management major from Sacaton, Arizona, which is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Mark works on the Gold Star Journal as a graphic designer and as an editor. She is president of the Circle of Women and vice president of the Pride Society. She is a member of the Journey Church Presbyterian and the Ethos Boxing Club, and she is a tutor in the Public Speaking Lab. She likes to shoot basketball and play a traditional game called Thoka. She also likes to draw and sketch while listening to music.
“Gracie has always processed her surroundings differently, navigating a world that isn’t always built for her. Since she arrived at 91ÁÔĆć, I’ve witnessed a new determination emerge as she has learned to meet challenges head-on and keep moving forward.”
Grady Redmond
Connection
Cadet Grady Redmond, ’29, of Alpha Company, is double majoring in political science and finance. A native of Goose Creek, S.C., he is a squad corporal and a member of the Honors Program. He has also been active in the 2026 elections.
“Since arriving at 91ÁÔĆć, Grady has become much more confident in his ability to connect with people. He has grown more comfortable having meaningful conversations with his peers and building relationships with people outside 91ÁÔĆć. It’s been wonderful to see him step outside his comfort zone and connect with people from all walks of life.”
Christopher Banks
Responsibility
Cadet Capt. Christopher Banks, ’27, of Sumter, S.C., is an intelligence and security studies major. He serves as Palmetto Battery company commander and is a member of the Rifle Legion and Semper Fi Society. He is also a Marine Corps ROTC contract cadet.
“We have noticed that Christopher has become more responsible overall. He is better able to manage tasks, whether at home during the holidays or in his studies at 91ÁÔĆć. He has also learned to manage his time more effectively and be on time for his obligations, which is a win for everyone!”