BLACK HISTORY MONTH BC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Ellison Burns III '14

How did Benedictine Military School help to shape you?

"I was introduced to Benedictine through my best friend, Matt Ginn ‘12. Although he was two years ahead of me, we attended middle school together and remained close after he transitioned to BC. He often spoke highly of his experience, and while I was initially skeptical of attending an all-boys, military, Catholic school, one shadow day during my eighth-grade year changed everything. I immediately noticed how the young men carried themselves and always saw how respected BC boys were throughout the city. From the moment I walked through those doors, I knew BC was where I wanted to be. I am incredibly grateful that my parents were able to provide me with that opportunity.

"My years at BC were among the most formative of my life. Early on, MSG (Reinaldo) Osorio told us that the guys we walked the halls with would become our brothers for life, and he was absolutely right. The friendships I built more than 10 years ago remain strong today. We literally travel the world together, talk almost everyday, and continue to support one another through every stage of life. I even married my high school sweetheart, Dr. ShaRonda Cheever-Burns, who attended our sister school, St. Vincent’s Academy. Adding to that legacy, my younger brother, RaSean Matthews ’24, followed in my footsteps by attending BC, further strengthening my family’s connection to the school.

"One of the most meaningful lessons BC instilled in us was the importance of looking out for one another. That sense of brotherhood truly extends far beyond graduation. Whether you meet an alumnus from the Class of 1950 or the Class of 2008, there is an immediate bond and a genuine willingness to help simply because of the shared BC experience. When you see someone out in public wearing BC gear that’s an immediate conversation starter!  'What year were you?' 'Were you one of Coach (Danny) Britt’s players, or Coach (Tommy) Cannon’s?' 'Have you been back to see the new upgrades at the school?' It’s always good vibes and puts a smile on my face talking to someone who understands the school.

"BC played a pivotal role in shaping my character by instilling discipline, organization, and strong time-management skills, qualities that prepared me exceptionally well for college. One lesson that has stayed with me since my freshman year English class came from Mr. Bill Curley, who defined character as 'What you do when no one is watching.' That principle has guided me throughout my life and continues to influence how I approach academics, athletics, and everyday decisions. I’m not one to brag but something that people I know always say to me is, 'Ellison you have a great sense of integrity, you always try to do the right thing!' You can ask my mom for clarification haha. I can attribute that to a small yet impactful lesson instilled in me during my time at BC."

What have you been doing since high school?

"Following graduation from BC, I earned a full football scholarship to Savannah State University, where I initially played tight end before transitioning to linebacker during my freshman year. Another lesson that shaped my mindset came from my (BC) basketball coach Doug Willett, who consistently reminded us to 'FIND A WAY!' That message taught me the value of adaptability, perseverance, and putting in the work regardless of circumstances. It stayed with me throughout my athletic career and helped make my position transition seamless, eventually leading to me becoming a defensive starter.

"While at Savannah State University, I successfully balanced academics and athletics, earning a place on the All-Academic Honors List every semester. I was also actively involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Service and community involvement were also values instilled in the students at BC, whether through local cleanups, festivals, or school-sponsored volunteering. Those lessons stayed with me, and I continue to give back when possible through organizations such as The Warren Brinson Foundation here in Savannah.

"After graduating from Savannah State University with honors, I began my professional career as a project engineer, where I spent three and a half years designing and managing significant projects. These included the renovation of First African Baptist Church (America’s oldest Black church) in Savannah, Ga., the reconstruction of Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church located in the Victorian Historic District in Savannah, Ga., Jay’s Fish and Chicken’s second restaurant location in Brunswick, Ga., and several residential developments. Although I later transitioned from engineering to the waterfront industry, I continue to apply my technical skills through a side business as a draftsman, producing custom architectural design blueprints.

"I currently work full-time as a longshoreman with I.L.A. Local 1414 at the Port of Savannah, where I have proudly earned union seniority and have worked for the past five years.

"Benedictine provided me with the foundation to succeed, not only professionally, but as a man of character. I remain deeply grateful for the lifelong brotherhood, values, and preparation the school has given me. Forward, Always Forward! Go Cadets!"