A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor Francis A. "Quinn" Lawton V, Sergeant Major in the Upstate Young Marine Unit, of Hampton County and congratulate him upon being named the Division 2 Young Marine of the Year.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Francis A. "Quinn" Lawton V, has been named the Division 2 Young Marine of the Year; and

 

Whereas, a sophomore at Patrick Henry Academy, Quinn recently moved to Estill with his family from Greenville where he has participated in the Young Marines Unit in the Upstate since 2019. He was named the Division 2 Young Marine of the Year and will represent South Carolina in the national competition, one of only fifteen Young Marines of the Year nationwide; and

 

Whereas, his current assignment as a Unit First Sergeant, Unit Training Chief, and Assistant Recruit Instructor allows him to hold uniform inspections, teach close order drill, and provide solid leadership and training to all the unit's Young Marines; and

 

Whereas, Quinn graduated in the Top Ten at the National Leadership Academy Advanced Leadership School (NLA ALS). After graduation, he flew home the next day and traveled to the NLS Junior Leadership School/Senior Leadership School (JLS/SLS) Academy in Smyrna, Tennessee, to instruct at

Senior Leadership School; and

 

Whereas, Quinn plays on the varsity basketball and soccer teams, is a member of Senior Beta Club and the Student Council, and is on the Headmaster's Honor Roll. He recently won the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6734 in Piedmont; and

 

Whereas, balancing his dedication to the Young Marines with schoolwork, sports, and church activities, he continues to attend unit drills and events twice a month, even though he lives over five hours away from the unit; and

 

Whereas, his father, Francis Asbury Lawton IV, is the pastor of historic Lawtonville Baptist Church built in 1911. Lawtonville was named for his family, hence the same name.  Quinn's mother is a teacher at Patrick Henry Academy; and

 

Whereas, able to motivate his peers to complete any mission required, Quinn has a unique combination of leadership skills beyond his age, coupled with unparalleled honesty and integrity. The South Carolina House of Representatives is deeply grateful for young citizens in the Palmetto State, future leaders like Quinn Lawton, who strive for excellence. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Francis A. "Quinn" Lawton V, Sergeant Major in the Upstate Young Marine Unit, of Hampton County and congratulate him upon being named the Division 2 Young Marine of the Year.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Young Marine Sergeant Major Francis A. "Quinn" Lawton V.

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