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Shaw student nominated for world leadership program

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  One fifth-grade student from High Hills Elementary school has been nominated to spend a week in Washington, D.C., for the People to People World Leadership Forum this fall. 

Malik Cox, son of Natalie and Staff Sgt. Timothy Miller, was nominated by his language arts and social studies teacher, Charles Capers. 

"Malik is very intelligent, bright and well-rounded. He thinks outside of the box," Mr. Capers said. "He has a lot of talent." 

At the forum, fifth through eighth-grade students from around the world experience a week of interactive leadership training from members of the U.S. Congress and other government officials. 

"I feel great," Malik said. "We will learn lots of things about the county and how it began." 

President Dwight Eisenhower began the People to People initiative in 1956. He believed that ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace, according to the official Web site. 

"I know (Malik) will make a difference," his mother said. "At the age of ten, he's already aware of the impact gas and food prices have on Americans. He wants to change things and help people." 

Mr. Capers said Malik was the first student he has nominated in five years. 

"I was so proud when I found out Malik was nominated," Mrs. Miller said. "Words couldn't explain how proud I was." 

Mrs. Miller said Malik has been an honor roll student since the 1st grade and he enjoys reading books. 

"He reads a chapter book every other day," she said. 

Sergeant Miller is currently stationed at Osan Air Base, Korea, for a short tour. Malik said he wants to be in the Air Force, like his Dad, when he grows up. He specifically wants to be an astronaut and has a plan to become one. 

"I have to get good grades in science and go to college to get a degree," he said. "They (astronauts) have to learn and study how to fly rockets and have to join the Air Force." 

Getting nominated was a huge success for Malik, his mother said. However, they are still raising the $2,300 tuition for the program. 

"Hopefully we will be able to raise enough money for this once in a lifetime opportunity," she said. "Malik is writing letters to family and friends asking for help." 

For more information about the People to People World Leadership Forum, visit www.wlfleaders.org.