Liberty Campus electrical engineering major honored with 2026 MLK Youth Award from community organization

Second-year electrical engineering major James Eldridge doesn’t boast about the extensive work he does in his hometown of Hinesville, Georgia, but the community notices. From volunteering at his church to helping with the local food drive, Eldridge thrives on giving back to the community that raised him.

“I like to see the community be blessed, and I like to bless the community,” Eldridge said. “Everybody needs a little helping hand now and again, no matter the situation. You could be on your best day or on your worst day, I feel like there’s a way for you to be helped. Just seeing the smiles on faces and knowing that I helped somebody is enough of an impact for me.”

This supportive spirit earned Eldridge recognition by the Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Association. During their commemorative service, he was awarded the 2026 MLK Youth Award, a recognition that came as a surprise to Eldridge.

“It feels different to be recognized publicly,” Eldridge said. “I’m honored to be recognized, but it’s not something that I personally put out there, and it doesn’t change who I am or what I do. I’m still going to be regular James, and I’m going to continue to do the things that I always do.”

Starting his degree at Georgia Southern’s Liberty Campus in Hinesville allowed Eldridge to continue serving his home community while bridging the gap in demands between high school and higher education.

“Starting locally was very good for me,” Eldridge said. “It allowed me to get my feet wet and learn what needs to be done and what doesn’t. Starting college, it’s easy to get off track, and I didn’t want to be off track. The people at the Liberty Campus are like a family, and Georgia Southern has truly been a part of my growth as a young adult because they guided me and pushed me to be more, or as we’d say, to soar.”

His desire to study engineering began at a young age and was tied to his hope to impact change in communities like his own.

“I’ve been on track for engineering since the fifth grade,” Eldridge said. “I’ve always had a passion for doing stuff with my hands, being creative, but I wanted to know that I could fix things for myself. Working as an engineer means I have the chance to improve outdated infrastructure for the country and make an impact in rural communities.”

Eldridge has been surrounded by support throughout his time at Georgia Southern, but his biggest supporter, his grandfather, inspired more than just his commitment to academic excellence; he inspired his long-term goals.

“My grandpa served more than 21 years in the Army after being drafted,” Eldridge said. “He is my biggest role model and has always encouraged me. He’s what you would look for in a grandfather and much more. After I graduate with my degree in electrical engineering, I plan to commission as an officer into the Air Force and serve my country like he did.”

Eldridge sees serving in the military as a continuation of his desire to serve those around him and the fulfillment of his dreams. The one constant in his motivation is his drive to always care for those in need.

“I grew up watching celebrities going back to help their hometowns after they had gone off and made their millions,” Eldridge said. “I thought, why not start now? It would be great if I had more to give, but what I have now is enough and could inspire others to start giving back, too. I just want to be established in life enough to be able to support myself. And if somebody else needs help, to be able to support them. That’s the grand goal.”