Hunter Whitlock, SC Scholarship Recipient

Jan 29, 2025

By Cindy Baugher

Academic achievements and volunteer efforts have paid off for Hunter Whitlock, of Irmo, South Carolina, as he was recently awarded a scholarship for the South Carolina Division by the Police Benevolent Foundation.

Hunter Whitlock will be arriving at Presbyterian College in South Carolina with a health science certification and a veterinary science certification under his belt via his high school career and technology classes. This will, no doubt, be beneficial as he embarks on his college career since he hopes to eventually become a dentist. Hunter will be majoring in biology with a minor in history just because he “loves to learn history”. He chose Presbyterian because he liked that it is a small school where he can get to know his professors. According to him, the biology and history programs at Presbyterian are “great”. But ultimately, he chose to attend Presbyterian because “it felt right when I toured it.”

Hunter grew up in Irmo, South Carolina. He describes it as “a small town, but close to the state capitol, so there is a lot to do. There are lots of places to eat and have fun with your family.” He graduated from Dutch Fork High School in May of 2024 where he was a member of the Beta Club.  He also gained useful experience in the medical field by doing clinical rotations as he worked with patients to learn about health care in his medical health science class.

Hunter, wearing his multiple honor cords, at his high school graduation.

Volunteer work is something that Hunter has clearly enjoyed.  During high school he spent time making cards to send to veterans and nursing home residents, assembling care packages to share with orphans, and working at community-oriented events. He also logged hours at the bunny rescue facility cleaning enclosures and spending time with the bunnies to socialize them and prepare them for adoption. Additionally, as a United Way volunteer, he mentored and read to children at a local elementary school.

Since his father is a retired police officer and his mother is a former police officer and current teacher, it’s no wonder that Hunter sees the importance of giving back to his community. Hunter’s dad served for 21 years with the town of Lexington Police Department where he was on the Community Action Team and worked as a patrol officer. When he was younger, his father was a member of the University of South Carolina Police Department (USCPD) and the Kingstree Police Department. Hunter’s mother was a police officer before she became a schoolteacher. In addition, she served at USCPD and taught classes at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Hunter names his mother as his greatest influence growing up. “She does so much in our home and takes care of everyone. She has done so much for me.”

When asked what the law enforcement field means to him, Hunter says, “Police officers uphold the peace and keep others safe. They risk their lives to do so. I watched the long hours they worked. My dad lost a close friend in the line of duty. This profession is not for the faint of heart and I have nothing but respect for law enforcement.”

Hunter logged many hours volunteering at a local bunny rescue facility.

Hunter’s father, Ryan Whitlock, was led to law enforcement due to the example of his grandfather, who was assistant police chief in Liberty, SC. He notes that, “When I served as an officer, I enjoyed helping people and meeting community members.” In terms of his SSPBA membership, the senior Whitlock continues, “I have always had peace of mind as a SSPBA member that if I needed help, they would be there. I also appreciate all that they do to support law enforcement officers and their families.”

His dad’s membership in the South Carolina PBA as a retired officer is what enabled Hunter to be eligible to receive this scholarship. He is honored to be selected as deserving of the award. As for what his father thinks about Hunter’s scholarship, Whitlock says, “I am so proud of Hunter and how hard he has worked throughout his high school years. While studying to keep his grades up he still found time to commit to community service and organizations like the BETA Club. This makes me proud of the young man he has become. I know that he will work just as hard at Presbyterian College as he did in high school. Hunter dreams of being a dentist and wants to go to a school where he can best prepare to meet that goal. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Hunter.”

Hunter volunteered with Midlands Orphan Relief during high school as well.

“I am extremely grateful for the PBF’s scholarship program, and the scholarship awarded to my son. I have seen firsthand how hard Hunter works, but it was an honor to hear Sr. Vice President Dave Soderberg recognize his achievements and efforts. This was such a proud moment for my wife and me. This is an example of how the SSPBA makes a positive impact on the lives of law enforcement families.”

Hunter says he is excited and a bit nervous about going to college but is so happy to have the opportunity. Though he is a history buff and lists George Washington as his favorite leader, he cites his favorite video game character from current day, Zenyatta from Overwatch, as the source of a quote that resonates a great deal with him: “Change often comes uninvited, what you make of it is up to you.” The changes that he’ll encounter as a freshman at Presbyterian College are not uninvited, but with the support and encouragement of his family and wealth of experience behind him, he’s bound to make the most of them.