Rocky Boy high student going to D.C.

A Rocky Boy student has been nominated to attend a leadership forum in Washington in November, where he will meet policy makers, national security experts and the president elect.

John Windyboy, 19, is going to the "National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security - Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense" because of his "exemplary academic performance at Rocky Boy High School," says a notification letter addressed to Windyboy.

The forum is part of an Envision program, an experiential education organization dedicated to enabling students to explore their interests and gain critical learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Windyboy said during an interview yesterday that he's excited about seeing Washington. He's less excited about meeting  the president elect, he said.

He will be going to Washington by himself and will need to raise about $2,000 for the trip. Pizza Hut has agreed to donate to Windyboy 20 percent of the total of each purchase made at the restaurant  Sept. 22 if the purchaser says they are donating to the trip. WIndyboy and his mother, Jaycene Windyboy, said Rocky Boy HIgh school principal Debra LaMere said there will also be a fundraiser at the school to help Windyboy raise money for the trip.

Windyboy said his favorite subject is algebra. Along with being the kind of student who is honored for his academic achievements, Windyboy is also an athlete. At 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds, Windyboy plays on both the defensive and offensive lines, guard and tackle, for Rocky Boy's football team.

Windyboy said he's eyeing a career as a physical therapist - "so I can help other people in their pain" - and hoping to go to the University of Montana in Missoula.

Jaycene Windyboy is very proud of her son.

"I always tell him: "Don't walk it, talk it," she said, referring to working and accomplishing things.

She said her son was born 9 pounds 11 ounces, and as big is he is now, he's just as well-mannered and smart.