Anthony Cuevas, University of South Carolina Beaufort

Anthony Cuevas’ leadership and service spans a military career, a successful transition to a student, and exceptional early career impact in working with disadvantaged youth. Raised by a single mother in the rough and tumble world of the Bronx in New York City, he arrived in Beaufort in 1981 as a young recruit at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Anthony’s Marine Corps career lasted 20 years; he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant.
Anthony next chose to complete an undergraduate degree and embark on a second career to improve the lives of youth in our area. He will graduate this May with a degree in Human Services; his current grade point average is 3.375.
At USCB, Anthony completed three internships working with youth: One with the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgeland and two at the Ridgeland/Hardeeville High School. These internships and his passion for serving youth led him to his current position at the school leading the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program and assisting in the Positive Behavioral Support Program that works with at-risk students. Anthony serves as a positive role model and supports his students. In his words, his job is “to unwrap their gifts.”
-Dr. Jane T. Upshaw, Chancellor

After growing up in a tough area in the Bronx and serving as a member of the US Marine Corps for 20 years, I decided to make a career out of working with young people. This desire led me to major in Human Services at USCB. In my three internships in the program that totaled 360 hours of service, I gained valuable experience and the knowledge and skills to work with young people to help them improve their lives. 
My dream has come true since I am now employed by a local high school to coordinate their ROTC program and also counsel and support at-risk students. My own rough upbringing and mistakes, combined with my education at USCB, allows me to be empathetic toward these teenagers and motivates me to engage them as a role model and as a person who believes they are somebody. I want to be a positive example for them and see them grow through positive choices.
-Anthony Cuevas