It was a celebration marking a milestone shaped by reflection, as members of the graduating Class of 2026 received honors for excellence in writing, introspection, and leadership development, during the Pershing Essay Awards ceremony on May 20 at the U.S. Military Academy.
The ceremony pays homage to General John J. Pershing, a Class of 1886 graduate whose success on the battlefield, commitment to the nation and personal resiliency continues to inspire cadets and Army officers.
“First, I think it’s an honor. I feel really proud that I get to represent my company and my team and the people who’ve built me up to this point,” said new 2LT Ella Campbell as she received the first place, gold medallion. Her name was also inscribed on the Pershing plaque, which lists the names of the awardees dating back to 2007. This plaque is displayed in the 1st Division Barracks, the same building Pershing lived in as a cadet while serving as first captain.
During the ceremony, Superintendent LTG Steve Gilland ’90 imparted words of wisdom to the former cadets as they began the next chapter in their story as Army officers leading the future of the nation.
“…There’s no finish line here. This is the next leg of the journey that you will now embark on as commissioned officers, as second lieutenants in our Army, and I would just ask that you continue to look back, reflect, and develop,” Gilland concluded. “Know that you have the character and the leadership traits that have been developed here over the past four years to go out and be successful. So, build on that as you continue to grow as leaders…”
Awardees
- Gold Medallion – 2LT Ella Campbell
- Silver Medallion – 2LT William Darke
- Bronze Medallion – 2LT Zhenzhu Nelson
- Runners-Up
- 2LT Evan Richardson
- 2LT Madeline Graham
- 2LT Jacob Crossman
- 2LT William Parker
Story Source Army.mil
Photo: U.S. Army Photos by PAO/USMA
