Proud parents Sandra and Dustin Worth were excited to hear the news that their son, Alec, had been nominated to join the Junior National Honor Society. Next month, he hopes to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

When Sandra and Dustin Worth of Lehigh Acres first heard the news that their son, Alec, had been nominated to join the Junior National Honor Society at Oak Hammock Middle School, they were understandably quite proud.

However, after they received a notification that not only had their

seventh grader been accepted into the accomplished academic

organization but had also been selected as his school’s representative

at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

this summer, both were exceptionally excited.

And so was Alec, who plans to travel to Washington, D.C., from June 26 through July 1.

“My science teacher noticed that I was doing very well in my classes, so she nominated me for the gifted program for seventh graders,” he said, noting that his guidance counciler soon nominated him for the Junior National Honor Society.

“We were very thrilled, very proud of him,” said Dustin Worth, a

sergeant with the Sanibel Police Department, where he has worked since

1988. “I was really surprised that he was selected. It’s one of his

best accomplishments ever.”

Among the activities tentatively scheduled during the six-day Junior

National Young Leaders Conference are leadership focus groups, a

walking tour of Capitol Hill, excursions to Harper’s Ferry, the

National Museum of American History, the White House and several

Washington memorials as well as a sleep over at the Maryland Science Center.

Alec, who has maintained a High Honor Roll status at school “for as long as I can remember,” has been touted amongst his peers for many years. Among his notable achievements is serving as Notary for the Junior Knights of Columbus Squires in his hometown of Lehigh Acres, recognition from the U.S. Marine Corps, who presented him with a Distinguished Service Award for his service to veterans residing at the VA Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., as well as participation in neighborhood clean-ups and retirement community groundskeeping projects.

As a selection to the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, Worth

must raise approximately $2,400 to cover the cost of conference tuition

and travel expenses.

“I am investing every dollar I can of my own money to make sure I don’t

miss out on this unique experience and am also taking on extra jobs to

raise the funds I need,” said Alec, whose other activities include playing the drums, golfing, biking, swimming and art.

Thus far, he has raised nearly $1,400, leaving him about $1,000 short

of his goal.

“Everybody who has heard the news about Alec is very proud of him,”

said Sandra, who volunteers at the Media Center at Oak Hammock Middle

School. “Even some of his former teachers from elementary school have

told me how astonished they were to hear about his selection. It’s a

great accomplishment.”

To help aid the talented youngster, Dairy Queen’s 3251 Colonial Blvd.

location in Fort Myers will conduct a fundraiser for Worth on Thursday,

May 20. A portion of the proceeds raised on that date will be put toward his tuition and travel expenses.

To make a financial contribution contact Dustin Worth at 239-565-8874 or the Junior National Young Leaders Conference at 703-584-9533.

“I feel very lucky to be able to do this,” Alec said. “I think I’m most excited to go to Washington, D.C., and learn some new things and

meet some great people.”