Hunter Dodd, a student at Easley High School has earned a scholarship from the U.S. Navy scholarship.

“The Navy gives these scholarships to students all over the country,” Dodd said. “There’s a lot that goes into qualifying, but in the end you have the opportunity to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy.”

Dodd, who plans to attend USC in the fall, said the scholarship is based on a variety of areas.

“They look for good grades, they look at test scores and they also look for students who are very active and involved in their communities,” Dodd said. “You’ve got to be physically fit as well. There is a lot of hard work involved.”

Dodd wants to get his undergraduate degree in nursing.

“I was very fortunate to get into USC,” Dodd said. “That was my first choice and I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait. I plan to get my undergraduate degree in nursing, and after that I will head to Navy Nursing School.

Dodd’s father recently returned from a military deployment and actually pulled a surprise visit at Easley High.

“It’s been wonderful,” Dodd said of having his father back in the U.S. “The family is so much happier. We’re trying to get back in the hang of things because he’s been gone for so long, but we couldn’t be happier as a family.”

Dodd’s mother, Page said having the family back together has been good for all.

“Our world is finally balanced again,” Page said. “It takes a lot out of a family when you have a loved one gone. It’s not something you can really explain to somebody. You just kind of have to go through it. When you’re deployed, anything could go wrong, but we prepared and it worked out. It’s been wonderful having him back and having him be here for Hunter.”

She said she is proud of Hunter.

“Hunter is the first student in Easley High history to receive a nursing Navy scholarship,” Page said. “These scholarships are extremely competitive and Hunter had to work hard to get it.

“Hunter has always felt called to serve our nation and to give back,” Page added. “We’ve tried to encourage both our kids to serve others, and Hunter has decided that that’s what he wants to do for the rest of his life.”