On the 5th of June 2012, Cadet Sergeant First Class Cecil Smith, a fourth year JROTC cadet and senior at Dillon High School was the only cadet selected to attend the Four Star Leadership Academy, on a full scholarship including airfare, lodging, and meals, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from July 15th to 21st, 2012. During this time, Cecil will participate in an intense curriculum that is based on four leadership principles – Character, Common Vision, Communication, and Caring. He will be asked to engage in conversation with national and international leaders, work in collaboration with fellow students, research and comprehend policy issues, develop creative solutions to those issues, make a persuasive speech, write a persuasive editorial, and participate in a Student Congress. While Cadet Sergeant First Class Smith attends the academy he will represent Dillon High School and Dillon School District Four with the opportunity to earn over $15,000
in scholarships and recommendations to future leadership positions. All scholarships result in a matching donation to Dillon High School.