Sgt. Mike Harris, formerly of Fayetteville, recently graduated from the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. He was commissioned on May 4, 2007 and became Lt. Mike Harris, United States Marine Corps. The next day, Harris received his degree in political science with a concentration in international and military affairs. Harris graduated magna cum laude, was recognized as a distinguished military graduate, received the Horatio Alger scholarship (having made the dean's list six times during his time at the Citadel). Additionally, he was selected as the outstanding MECEP student for 2007 and was honored by receiving the Mamaluke sword from his commanding officer in a ceremony prior to graduation.

Also prior to his graduation, Harris was recognized as an outstanding graduate and included in the 2007 Marquis Who's Who of American Colleges and Universities.

On hand for the events were Harris' wife, Rachel, his mom and dad, Dave and Glenda Harris, of Newnan, Rachel Harris's parents, John and Gwenda Fletcher of Yuma, Ariz., along with her brother John Fletcher Jr. as well as an aunt and uncle from Jacksonville, Judy and Rick Staudermann.

Harris and his family then moved to Quantico, Va. for his continued military training at The Basic School, where they are presently living. They will be moving to Pensacola, Fla. in early January where Harris will begin flight training. In April of 2008, the Harris family will welcome their third child, to join Savannah, 3, and Summer, 1-1/2.

Harris is a 1997 graduate of Sandy Creek High School.