Everett Babcock is a double major in Finance and Mathematics. He has earned Gold Stars and placements on the Dean’s List Commandant’s and President’s List every semester. Babcock is a member of the Honors Program, the 2026 Junior Sword Arch and Summerall Guards. He serves as Echo Company’s cadre platoon leader and honor representative, and he is a member of the student-managed investment fund. After graduation, Babcock hopes to work in finance.

Why did you choose The Citadel?

I chose The Citadel because of the unique opportunities the school provides for personal growth and development. I was blessed with an amazing family and childhood but wanted an experience of my own where I could challenge myself to develop into the man I wanted to become. If taken advantage of, The Citadel experience provides an unmatched opportunity to turn high school boys and girls into true men and women of character who can lead themselves, their families and those around them.

What is engraved on the inside of your ring and what is its significance?

Inside of my ring, I have my name engraved as well as the Bible verse Romans 5: 3-5. These verses are significant to me because they talk about how suffering and hardships can produce perseverance, character development and growth. To get the most out of The Citadel, I believe being open to adversity and challenging experiences will allow for the most growth, and this verse shows that.  

Who was the most influential person in your life that impacted your journey?

My dad is by far the most influential person in my life regarding my Citadel journey. As Class of 1996 graduates, my dad and his classmates showed me the caliber of men that The Citadel can produce. He quickly became my role model during my time here, and it was almost like he was re-living his Citadel experience again through me. It has been an amazing experience sharing the highs and lows with someone who understands what the day-to-day life is like, and it means so much more to celebrate the highs with someone who understands what this place is like. My goal since I’ve started at The Citadel has been to become the man that he is, and I believe this school has allowed me to really grow and develop, as it did for him 30 years ago.

What are three things The Citadel taught you that you will continue into your life and career?

Resiliency, empathy and teamwork.

How do you think the challenges and experiences at The Citadel have shaped the person you are today?

The Citadel has taught me that I can do much more than I think I can do. I have learned to push past my perceived limits to accomplish so much more than I ever thought I could achieve. My Citadel experience has given me a love for doing hard things and challenging myself to grow in every aspect of life. I believe that I have grown so much as a person during my time here at The Citadel, and it has shaped how I want to lead in the future, both in the workplace and at home.

What will you miss the most about your time at The Citadel?

I will miss the comradery and the community the most. In just about every company, there is a little bit of everyone. By that, I mean that each company typically has the athletic cadets, those who are going into the military, a jokester or two, some who are very religious, others who have unique ambitions and more. There is a little bit of everyone here at The Citadel, and every company acts like its own family. I will miss living right next door to my best friends in life and I am doing my best to cherish these times while I still can.

If you could go back and give advice to your freshman self, what would you say and why?

I would go back and tell him to zoom out and to remember the big picture. Everything you do as a freshman is for a reason. Be curious and have a positive mindset, even when it might be difficult to. A great example of this is Friday afternoon parades. I remember watching parades as a kid; now when I march in parade, I’m thinking to myself that someone out there watching might be standing in the ranks of the Corps in a few short years. I remember the feeling of looking up at the clock tower of Second Battalion when the Pipe Band began to play “Scotland the Brave” during the pass and review . Some of those feelings you will never forget, so enjoy them while you can.

Do you have a unique moment from here that you will never forget?

There are many moments from my time at The Citadel that I will never forget. Making the Junior Sword Arch and Summerall Guards, Recognition Day from knob year and participating in cadre break for the first time as a sophomore are some examples. However, one that stands out to me is winning Kelly Cup as a knob during Parent’s Weekend. Kelly Cup is a drill competition among the knob class to determine which company has the best-drilled knobs. Echo has historically been known for its drill, so winning Kelly Cup as a knob felt like my first contribution to the company, and it was the first time I felt pride in my achievements at this school. It really showed me what hard work and true teamwork can produce, and it laid the foundation for me to work toward other goals later on in my cadet career.

How will you bring a positive meaning to the legacy of the ring?

I want to strive to be a great mentor to those that choose to attend The Citadel and carry on its legacy. I was blessed to have a few incredible alumni mentors during my time here, and they have impacted me tremendously. Once I graduate, I will strive to be the kind of mentor that I had, focusing on the legacy of the ring, the rich traditions of this institution, and the strong development that this school brings for young men and women who strive to better themselves and those around them.

About The Citadel Class of 2026’s ring stories

Members of The Citadel Class of 2026 receive their rings on Friday, Sept. 19. Before getting their rings, some seniors spoke about the event’s significance with Cadet Emma Moore, the Regimental Public Affairs Officer for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. Moore is from Akron, Ohio and has a double major in Intelligence and Security Studies and Spanish. She is a member of Sigma Delta Pi, a national Spanish honor society. After graduation, Moore hopes to conduct counter-narcotic operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration.