Two-time PBF Scholarship Student Focuses on Dentistry

Feb 11, 2026

By Katharine Jefcoats

Hunter Whitlock was raised in a law enforcement family but has decided on getting to the root of his chosen career by pursuing dentistry.

For the second year in a row, Whitlock has been awarded a scholarship from PBF to help him pay for expenses at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.

Ryan, Gayle & Hunter Whitlock 8/2/2025 with Dave Soderberg SSPBA board member.

His father, Ryan Whitlock, is retired from the Lexington (S.C.) Police Department, having devoted 21 years to the profession. His mother, Gayle Whitlock, was an advanced training instructor at the South Carolina Justice Academy from 2007 to 2012.

In 2012, she took a position as a middle school special education teacher. She is an accomplished educator, having been recognized several times for her success.

Whitlock said his mother has been his greatest influence.

“My mom is my greatest mentor,” he said. “She is patient but when she needs to be, she can be fierce. She has chosen a career where she helps others and advocates for them. She has taught me most of what I know. I can contribute most of who I am to her.”

Growing up in a law enforcement family helped Whitlock develop immense respect and admiration for the profession, and he said he is grateful for the monetary assistance.

Hunter at Presbyterian College

“Coming from a law enforcement family, I respect all law enforcement officers, and I am humbled by the PBF considering me,” he said. “I know my family is working hard to help me get through college and this scholarship is instrumental in helping me pay for my education.

“I have grown up in and around law enforcement,” continued Whitlock. “To me, law enforcement officers represent honor, and I like to think that I have learned that from my parents and their colleagues.”

Whitlock fondly remembers hearing LEO-related tales from both parents and sometimes enjoying the perks of being a child of the profession.

“My mom taught at the police academy, so I got to go to the driving range, hear many funny stories and watch as the recruits trained,” he said. “That was always exciting.”

However, news from the field was sometimes tragic.

“There was one time where my dad’s best friend was ambushed and killed in the line of duty,” said Whitlock. “That was unthinkable, and both my parents and everyone who knew him were devastated. That was the first time that I really stopped to think about how dangerous this line of work is and how much officers risk to protect others.”

As a high schooler, Whitlock stayed busy with extracurricular activities and managed to earn two specialized certificates: Career and Technical Education Veterinary Science Program Certificate and Career and Technical Education Health Science Program Certificate.

Hunter with other members of Esports Overwatch Team, in which he participated in his freshman year. Overwatch teams are part of a professional esports league.

He was a member of the Beta Club and the Future Farmers of America and volunteered two afternoons a week at a bunny shelter.

“I was very hyper when I was young,” he said. “I think when my family gave me a pet bunny, that is what changed everything. I suddenly had to take care of another living creature who was depending on me for everything. I couldn't forget to do the things he needed.

“This also helped me to become more empathetic and look for ways to be helpful,” Whitlock continued. “That responsibility helped me learn to be more mature. This also led to my volunteering for the bunny rescue which helped shape who I am today. It was hard work, but I felt happy and satisfied at the end of the day.”

He also performed a health science internship where he helped nurses and worked with patients in a local hospital.

Whitlock worked with United Way of the Midlands to read with students and tutor them, and volunteered with the Bugz Bunny Rabbit Rescue, packing comfort packs for children with Midlands Orphan Relief, and writing notes and cards for veterans and residents in nursing homes.

At Presbyterian, Whitlock continues filling spare hours with volunteerism.

“Last year at college, I packed food boxes for Rise Against Hunger and worked with the Ecology Club to plant flowers and trees on campus to replace those damaged by Hurricane Helene,” he said. “In December, my mom and I went to Charlotte to pack shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child with the Samaritan's Purse Organization.”

In his freshman year, Hunter was a member of Ecology Club and helped plant flowers and trees to replace those lost to Hurricane Helene

During his freshman year at college, Whitlock played on the Esports Overwatch Team and was a member of the Ecology Club.

Devotion to and caring for others are passions that led Whitlock to dentistry.

“I have declared my major as biology,” he said. “I find it an interesting subject. The human body is complex and fascinating to see how it all functions. The way it all comes together to operate and create living creatures fascinates me.

“Dental health is so important to people’s overall health and they often don't realize this until it is too late,” continued Whitlock. “I want to help people take care of themselves.”

Whitlock’s dad went into law enforcement for nearly the same reasons.

“I enjoyed helping people and meeting community,” said the retired officer. “My grandfather was assistant police chief of Liberty, SC. I always looked up to him while I was growing up.”

As a member of Operation Christmas Child, Hunter and other members packs shoe boxes with gifts for children in need

Ryan Whitlock said he is overjoyed at watching his son grow into adulthood, becoming part of his community and overcoming life’s obstacles.

“I am very proud of Hunter,” he said. “He has a good heart and really enjoys helping others. I have always been proud of how he makes time to volunteer when he sees an opportunity to do so.

“Hunter’s first year of college was a challenge as he had to adjust to dorm life and to not having quiet study space,” continued Ryan Whitlock. “However, he worked so hard to overcome that challenge and made the Dean’s List during his second semester while completing 19 credit hours. I think that Hunter can do anything he sets his mind to and I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in his life.”