Troy student headed to Washington D.C.

A Morrison Elementary Student in Troy has been selected as one of two students from Montana to participate in a youth leadership conference in Washington, D.C.

Gunner Jordan, 12, will depart for the nation's capital on July 28.

There, he will participate with other youths from around the country in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, a congressional youth leadership council.

According to its Web site, the Jr. NYLC offers mature, high-achieving middle school students the opportunity to enhance their leadership by studying past leaders and by focusing on social advocacy to make a positive impact in their communities.

But before all that, Jordan has to get there. And when that involves taking your first unaccompanied plane flight, just getting there could be the hardest part.

"It's probably going to be pretty scary," Jordan said.

His mother, Danita, said she'll be nervous knowing he's that far away.

"It's an amazing experience," she said.

She said Jordan was chosen for his leadership, maturity and G.P.A., which was 4.0 in sixth grade.

Jordan said he was chosen because he's nice to everybody and helps other kids.

Jordan must write an essay on leadership before he departs. His mother must raise some money.

Tuition for the conference costs about $1,700. After the cost of Jordan's plane ticket, the family may spend $2,500.

Mrs. Jordan hopes to obtain business sponsorship to help deflect some of the costs.

For those who sponsor, her "thank you" would appear in the newspaper.