CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel junior and incoming golf captain Sofia Vargas along with graduating senior and football cadet-athlete Justice Gilliard secured a pair of notable distinctions as part of the annual Awards Convocation Ceremony on Thursday morning at McAlister Field House, as the former garnered the inaugural Brig. Gen. Chad Atwood Memorial Sword while the latter earned recognition via the Hemingway Award.

Established in honor of United States Space Force Brigadier General Chandler Atwood, '01, a Citadel graduate who served as the first commander of Space Delta 7 and passed away recently in June 2025, the Brig. Gen. Chad Atwood Memorial Sword was created to honor a rising senior, contracted with the U.S. Air Force, who exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership and service.

"To be the inaugural recipient of the General Atwood Memorial Sword is truly humbling and an honor I will carry with me throughout my time at The Citadel and into active duty," Vargas said. "General Atwood lived by the four C's: character, connection, commitment, and courage, and those values will stay with me for the rest of my life as I strive to carry on his legacy."

Meanwhile, the Hemingway Award, named for Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas E. Hemingway and member of The Citadel Class of 1960, recognizes a senior who throughout his or her cadet career made the greatest contribution as a Christian cadet on the athletic field and to the spiritual life of the Corps of Cadets.

"Thomas Hemingway was a man who loved Christ and lived a life filled with service to others, so it is an honor to receive this award," Gilliard said. "I thank God for the opportunity he gave me to serve others as an athlete here these past few years. Thank you to the Hemingway family for allowing me to represent someone so amazing. Lastly, thank you to everyone that has had an impact on my life here at The Citadel, they are reason I have been able to grow as an athlete and in my faith."