Legacy Scholarship recipient filled with gratitude
It was during senior finals week in May when Colton Clay received word that he was a 2023 American Legion Legacy Scholarship recipient. “It was joy and excitement,” said Clay of Colorado Springs, Colo., who will be an incoming freshman at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. “My dad’s reaction was pretty proud because one, it helps with college and two, it’s honoring his legacy and all the things he was able to do (during his military service).”
Clay was eligible for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship because of his father, Christopher, a Legionnaire who served 21 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2016. Children whose parents lost their lives while honorably serving on active military duty on or after 9/11, as well as children of post-9/11 veterans with a combined Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating of 50% or higher, are eligible to apply for the Legacy Scholarship.
“I didn’t necessarily appreciate my dad’s military service until he moved back here to Colorado Springs (after retiring from the military) but now it means a lot,” said Clay, who pinned the lieutenant colonel badge on his father during the promotion ceremony. “My parents divorced when I was in elementary school, but I stayed here (in Colorado Springs) and he moved around (for the military). I didn’t get to appreciate him enough while he was gone; I didn’t appreciate all the things he did for me (like fly in to watch Clay’s soccer games or drive him to school). He sacrificed a lot not only military wise but for me to be in my life. I’m super thankful for him doing that and making me eligible for this scholarship.”
Clay will be playing soccer at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology while majoring in geological engineering – ensuring those in the mining industry are safe. “I’ve always enjoyed math, that’s how I ended up with engineering and I’ve always liked rocks and things found in rocks, like bones and fossils,” he said. “I was a dinosaur kid growing up, so I thought (geological engineering) was a good combination of the two things I enjoy. I remember visiting South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the geology department had all of these rocks. They said they just collect them, and I thought, I do the same thing. I have a whole bunch of rocks and fossils just lying around. At that moment I realized this is what I wanted to do; it encompassed all the interests that I have.”
Clay said the Legacy Scholarship will help ease the financial burden of college for his parents, especially since he has two older siblings who are both in college as well. And it’s one he is very appreciative of.
“This scholarship is special because it helps honor my dad and his service and sacrifices that he’s made. It’s awesome that I’m able to represent him going forward through this scholarship,” Clay said. “I want to say thank you to The American Legion. I really am appreciative of this opportunity and the support, and the belief that I can go on and do good things.”