As a JROTC cadet, Justin Fletcher knows about leadership.
As a JROTC cadet, Justin Fletcher knows about leadership.
He hopes to parlay his experience in JROTC at Nitro High School into a career with the United States Air Force.
First things first, Fletcher expects to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he plans to study astronautical engineering, or spacecraft design.
Ultimately, Fletcher strives to become an astronaut who works on projects geared toward colonization of the moon or Mars.
Embry-Riddle is pricey, and Fletcher knows it. The Air Force will pay for most of his education, but an extra $5,000 doesn't hurt.
Last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia recognized Fletcher as its 2008 Youth Scholar.
"I'm pretty happy about it. It helps out with college, too," he said.
He formed a Student Coalition Against Censorship with students at Nitro and George Washington high schools after parents complained about graphic violence, rape scenes and other adult themes in two Pat Conroy books at Nitro. The complaints led to the books' temporary suspension.
Kanawha County school officials eventually agreed with a committee of area residents, who said the books should be allowed but alternatives should be offered to parents and students.
As a JROTC cadet, Justin Fletcher knows about leadership.
He hopes to parlay his experience in JROTC at Nitro High School into a career with the United States Air Force.
First things first, Fletcher expects to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he plans to study astronautical engineering, or spacecraft design.
Ultimately, Fletcher strives to become an astronaut who works on projects geared toward colonization of the moon or Mars.
Embry-Riddle is pricey, and Fletcher knows it. The Air Force will pay for most of his education, but an extra $5,000 doesn't hurt.
Last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia recognized Fletcher as its 2008 Youth Scholar.
"I'm pretty happy about it. It helps out with college, too," he said.
He formed a Student Coalition Against Censorship with students at Nitro and George Washington high schools after parents complained about graphic violence, rape scenes and other adult themes in two Pat Conroy books at Nitro. The complaints led to the books' temporary suspension.
Kanawha County school officials eventually agreed with a committee of area residents, who said the books should be allowed but alternatives should be offered to parents and students.
Fletcher organized a petition, crafted T-shirts that protested the suspension and convinced classmates to visit school board meetings.
Terri Baur, legal director and interim executive director for the ACLU of West Virginia, said Fletcher's willingness to stand up for the rights of students raised the awareness of his classmates.
Baur said Fletcher earned the scholarship "because he stood up for his right and the rights of all students to receive information uncensored."
Fletcher said he learned a lot about himself during the Conroy debate. He chose a leadership role a bit different than the role he'd play as a JROTC cadet.
"This was the first time I [encouraged] people where it's their choice to help me or not," he said. "With the right people, you can organize things and make a difference."
Fletcher said he wanted future Nitro students to be able to read Conroy's "Beach Music" and "The Prince of Tides."
"Of course I can't necessarily say I made a difference, but we did," he said.
To contact staff writer Davin White, use e-mail or call 348-1254.
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