The Citadel honored three of its most outstanding cadets during the South Carolina Corps of Cadets Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.

The awards, which are given out annually, recognize the cadets with the highest grade-point averages, as well as the most courteous member of the graduating class.

The David Shingler Spell First and Second Honor Graduates are the cadets whose grade-point averages are the highest in each graduating class, based on the total college record of that class. Recipients of the awards receive a plaque and a stipend for educational expenses at the graduate level.

First Honor Graduate

This year, the prestigious title of First Honor Graduate went to Cadet Olivia Liquori.

Liquori, from Newton, New Jersey, graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and minors in English, Psychology and Statistics, earning a 4.0 GPA, while serving as Battalion Commander in the Corps of Cadets and a cadet in Army ROTC. Liquori earned Gold Stars and Dean’s List honors every semester, along with President’s List and Commandant’s List recognition four times each. A member of both The Citadel Honors Program and Distinguished Scholars Program, she has been recognized with numerous academic awards, grants and scholarships, including the prestigious General Douglas MacArthur Cadet of the Year Award. Throughout her cadet career, Liquori demonstrated exceptional leadership, progressing through increasingly significant roles and earning respect as a firm, fair and highly motivated leader whose work ethic and positive attitude inspired those around her. After graduation, Liquori will continue her journey of leadership and service as she accepts a commission into the United States Army.

Second Honor Graduate

The Second Honor Graduate for the Class of 2026 is Cadet Robert Chapman.

Chapman, from Marietta, Georgia, is a Mechanical Engineering major, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA, having completed an extraordinary 193 total credit hours, including 156 earned at The Citadel. A dedicated and driven scholar, Chapman is a proud member of Tau Beta Pi and consistently upholds the highest standards of excellence, integrity and leadership. His academic accomplishments extend beyond the classroom, as he was also part of the team that earned honors at the International Physics Competition earlier this semester. Chapman’s passion for engineering and commitment to growth position him well for a promising future in the field. After graduation, Chapman has accepted a position at Integrity Environmental Solutions.

John O. Willson Ring

The John O. Willson Ring has been awarded annually since 1911 to a senior elected by their peers as the finest, purest and most courteous member of the class.

The Class of 2026 voted to award the John O. Willson Ring to Cadet Luke Stringfield, a native of Aiken, South Carolina, who graduated with a degree in Intelligence and Security Studies. This past year, Stringfield was chosen as a Summerall Guard for the Class of 2026, and he previously served as 4th Battalion Commander. He has also been a valued member of the Dean’s Council for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. His peers chose him to receive this award not because of what he has achieved, but because of who he is — in moments that have tested his character, he has consistently chosen honesty and accountability, setting the standard as a cadet, friend, student and leader. Upon graduation, Stringfield will commission into the Army.