Student of the Week Gets Offer From West Point

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Some students just want to get through high school while others use it as a springboard to bigger and better things.

A senior at Andrew Jackson High School is getting offers from colleges and military academies around the country, because of his experience in high school. Alexander Mitchell is our Student of the Week.

Mitchell is the Lt. Colonel of the Air Force Junior ROTC program at his school and he takes his responsibilities with ROTC seriously and with great pride.

"If it weren't for Air Force ROTC I probably wouldn't be interested in a military career and the advantages of a military career. It's inspired me a lot," said Mitchell.

It inspired him so much he applied to West Point in New York and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs which is a lengthy and exhausting process. Not many people get accepted.

"I've been teaching Junior ROTC for 3-years and Alexander is the first student to be accepted into one of the military service academies," said ROTC Instructor Trent Johnson.

Mitchell recently received a letter in the mail notifying him of an appointment to West Point. If he accepts, he would start in the fall.

"A kid like him comes around probably one in a million. He showed up here as a 9th grader; an unpolished gem but well mannered," said Johnson.

Mitchell credits his time at ROTC with helping him learn discipline, responsibility and character; and, he's glad he picked Andrew Jackson for high school. "It's the best decision of my life."

Andrew Jackson High School is the only ROTC Magnate in Duval County.

Mitchell hasn't accepted the invitation to West Point just yet because he is still waiting to hear from the Air Force Academy. He was also offered full scholarships to the University of Florida, Florida State, University of Central Florida and University of South Florida.

His goal is to become an Air Force Officer and become a JAG, which is a Judge Advocate General.

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