The Unioto High School senior, who is the daughter of a former U.S. Marine, has applied to all three service academies and, come March, she’ll travel to the nation’s capital to take part in the United States Senate Youth Program, a competitive gathering that brings just 104 students from across the country to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong study of the federal government.
Detty’s road to Washington was paved through Columbus. She applied to the Senate program while participating in Buckeye Girls State, another weeklong program that aims to educate Ohio’s young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship. Detty was one of only two delegates selected to represent Ohio at the national program.
Detty is excited to travel to Washington, which is among her favorite cities, she said.
“We
receive our agendas in February, but from what I can tell, we’ll be
visiting many museums and memorials, sitting in on (congressional
proceedings) and there’s a very good chance we’ll be addressed by the
president,” she said.
“I would love to deal with other nations politically, so to get an idea of how that works would be really good for me,” she said.
Detty, 18, plans to study international relations in college and dreams of working in the intelligence field, ideally for the CIA.
She’s received a letter of assurance from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, which means she’ll be accepted if she can pass her medical exam. That could be a hurdle because of several past medical issues, including the dislocated shoulder she suffered in eighth grade.
“They’re very picky,” she said with a smile.
The decision to apply to the service academies stems from Detty’s upbringing.
“Growing up, Dad always taught us to think defensively. ... That’s what intrigued me (about the military),” she said. “And I grew up around veterans, so I’ve always wanted to do my duty and serve my country.”
If Detty was to attend West Point, she would have the opportunity to graduate as an Army officer. She said she’s not sure if she would make a career out of it. Still, if she’s not accepted into one of the service academies, she plans to take part in an ROTC program at a civilian college.
“I was born with a Type A personality. I have friends, but I’m not really social. I was always learning, whether it’s music or sports. I just want to know more about everything,” she said.
That’s reflected in her academic and extracurricular activities. Detty is ranked first in her class. Her high school resume includes varsity soccer, varsity tennis and positions as president of National Honor Society, president of student council, treasurer of National Art Honor Society, treasurer of French club and member of the school play cast.
“She has an innate focus and determination. Whatever she sets out to do, she is going to do,” said Sara Williams, her guidance counselor.
Williams pointed to the fact that Detty has been sitting in on a current events class during her study hall period, not because she needs the credits but because she wants to be up to speed on what’s going on before she goes to Washington.
“That’s just who she is. I’m not sure other students would have made that connection,” Williams said.
Williams said she’s not aware of any other Unioto students who have participated in the Senate Youth Program.
In addition to the all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, Detty will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Detty received another $1,000 scholarship this past fall when she was honored as one of 10 recipients of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio’s Students of Integrity Award. It’s another award that, to the best of Williams’ knowledge, is unprecedented at Unioto.
http://www.chillicothegazette.com
No comments:
Post a Comment