October 29th, 2009
SMHS counselor surprised with award

Left to right: Anthony A.M. Pearson, Sergeant Cantu and Major Walsh.

STAFF REPORT

San Marcos High School counselor Anthony A.M. Pearson had quite a surprise last Friday at work.

Four United States Marine Corps officers visited him at the school, calling Pearson out to present him with the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Quality Citizen Recognition Award for his ongoing efforts to recruit America’s youth into the corps.  Pearson is the only recipient of this honor from South Texas this year.

The letter of the award came with the personal “challenge coin” of General James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Military challenge coins represent affiliation, support, or patronage to the organization minted on the coin. The challenge coin is a treasured and respected representation of the organization minting the coin, and has been around since World War I.  The coins have always been a symbol of morale-boosting respect and camaraderie.

Presenting the award to Pearson was Major Walsh, Sgt. B. Cantu, and two other marines from the Southern Recruiting Command District.

“Anthony Pearson exemplifies the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment as he works to help students find a way to serve their country and to finance their education and career preparation,” said Walsh.

Serving in the Marines is a Pearson family tradition, with his father and three of his five sons joining the Corps. Pearson is a 10th-12th grade counselor at San Marcos High School, and his motto is: “I Believe in YOU.”