Two Culver Academies rowers have been awarded a scholarship honoring a Culver Military Academy graduate and Marine, Andrew K. Stern '98, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. He is credited with saving the lives of his fellow Marines.

Culver Girls Academy senior Caroline Alderfer (Winona Lake, Indiana) and CMA first classman Brit Crockett (Johnson City, Tennessee) were named recipients of the 1st Lt. Andrew K. Stern Scholarship and Rowing Award.

The scholarship is presented at the Andrew Stern Memorial Ceremony, where the team gathers to remember Stern's life.

Stern was a four-year Culver cadet in Battery C, served as Artillery battalion commander, and was a four-year rower and co-captain of Culver's crew team.
 

On Sept. 16, 2004, Stern's life was cut short when he was killed in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, after he placed his tank between an improvised explosive device and members of a construction platoon building a road nearby, just as the device went off. He was 24 years old.

"His selfless act shielded to save the lives of many of his fellow Marines working nearby that day," CMA rowing coach Nathan Walker said.

Coach Nathan Walker speaks to the rowing team about Stern.

Throughout Stern's life and service, he stayed true to his inner moral compass, as five central character traits guided every step of his life, those of dedication, integrity, honesty, respect and joyfulness.

Walker said Alderfer and Crockett most embody these noble virtues on and off the water. The two student-athletes have demonstrated these values through their unwavering commitment to the team.

CGA rowing coach Kerry Hassall said Alderfer treats her coaches, teammates and competitors with kindness and understanding.

"Her respect for others fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity within the team, allowing everybody to feel heard and valued, including the coaches," she said.
 

Coach Kerry Hassall speaks to the rowing team about Alderfer.

Hassall also said that despite Alderfer's demanding leadership role on campus, she still started the year by asking, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

She then went on to say that Alderfer and Crockett speak the truth, even when it may be difficult. They hold themselves to a high standard of integrity, never compromising their values or integrity for personal gain.

As Alderfer and Crockett both embody qualities of dedication, honesty, joyfulness, respect and integrity in everything that they do, Hassall said their actions speak volumes and that the impact they've had on the team and the sport of rowing is remarkable.

"You both are leaving this program better than you found it," she said.

"I feel like I've put a lot of work into the team," Alderfer said. "Not just because I want to get something out of it, but just because I want to leave the team better than I found it. And to hear coach Hassall say this, and to receive the award, was just an honor for me."

Crockett also said he was honored to receive the award and to be recognized in connection with Stern's legacy at Culver.

"His dedication, character and impact on the community are qualities I admire, and to be seen as someone who reflects those values is incredibly meaningful," he said. "I'm grateful for my family for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this school and I hope to continue living up to the high standards that Andrew represented."

After the ceremony, the rowers practiced to honor and remember Stern.