Page 31 - Demo

BeaufortLifestyle.com | June 2026 31including service during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. His military career earned him numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After returning home, Dantzler built a successful career as both an entrepreneur and community leader. He became the owner of Dantzler Pest Control, LLC, while also continuing his commitment to public service through his work at the Naval Hospital in Beaufort. But despite professional success, he recognized a growing need in his community. Too many young people lacked positive mentorship. Too many students had potential but limited exposure. Too many boys and girls needed someone to believe in them before they believed in themselves. So he created the Extra Mile Club. What began as a vision to mentor local youth has evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit organization serving children and teenagers throughout Beaufort County. Today, EMC reaches boys and girls across multiple age groups, including focused cohorts of middle and high school students through the organization%u2019s Elite 25 boys and Elite 25 girls programs. The organization also operates an after-school program at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy. Current participation includes approximately 25 Elite 25 boys, 22 Elite 25 girls, and 16 after-school students. But the impact of the organization extends far beyond numbers.BUILDING LEADERS BEYOND ATHLETICS At first glance, some may assume EMC is primarily an athletic mentorship program. Athletics certainly play an important role. Strength and conditioning sessions, youth sports participation, camps, combines, and track and field development all help students build discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. In 2025, EMC expanded its reach with the launch of the Elite 25 Girls track and field program, providing young women with increased access to athletic development and collegiate exposure opportunities. Yet athletics are only one part of the organization%u2019s larger mission. The real goal is leadership. EMC%u2019s programs are intentionally designed to help prepare students not just for competition, but for life. Mentorship sessions focus heavily on character development, accountability, communication skills, discipline, and self-esteem. Students participate in leadership training and community service initiatives that teach responsibility and civic engagement. Academic development is equally central to the mission. Students are exposed to college readiness programming, public speaking opportunities, writing development, and academic accountability support. Many participants experience college visits and environments they may not otherwise have access to. The organization also believes in exposing youth to real-world experiences that broaden their understanding of both opportunity and consequence. Participants have engaged in experiential learning opportunities ranging from golf clinics and kayaking to yoga, court observations, and detention center tours. These experiences are designed not only to educate but to inspire perspective. The message is clear: Your future is shaped by your decisions. And according to those who know the organization best, that message is resonating.MEASURABLE IMPACT IN THE LOWCOUNTRY In the nonprofit world, passion matters, but measurable outcomes matter too. And the Extra Mile Club has plenty of both. The organization reports that 55 program participants have graduated from college, with 21 additional students currently enrolled in higher education programs. EMC has produced 2 NFL players, and one currently preparing for the NBA draft. Its alumni have also gone on to serve across multiple branches of the U.S. Chris Dantzler with his right-hand partner and EMC Executive Director Dominique Mayse.The Extra Mile Club Elite 25, a group of students pursuing scholarship goals through academics and sports while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher.