JEFFERSONVILLE  — Sullivan West handed ten-year-old fourth grader Jonathan Callwood an  exciting opportunity this upcoming summer.

Callwood will be a member of a Summer Youth leadership Forum. This  prestigious program brings together likeminded students from different areas so they can learn and grow together.

Callwood’s family received the nomination invitation from the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM. The invitation detailed  that his school year’s worth of academic success had paid off: his teacher had nominated him for all of his hard work.

“I was so proud of my son!” exclaimed his mother, Victoria Ayala. “I have always known how special and intelligent my child is, but to be recognized and nominated for a prestigious program like this…it just felt like such an incredible honor.”

This program will set Callwood up for continued academic success, he will be met with age-appropriate challenges in the STEM field and will potentially open his eyes to more opportunities of interest. These could become areas he will want to study for a successful career path.

Ayala is excited for him to meet with likeminded peers and share in their academic journey. She is hoping that he will continue to learn independence.

“Being away from home without any parents is difficult for a ten year old,” noted Ayala. “He’s very mature for his age, he doesn’t feel nervous at all to be away from home.”

She stated that this will be his first “college” experience at such a young age and he will be sleeping in a dorm before most kids even think of going away to a university.

What’s an example of his success? Callwood made the principal’s list every marking period. His mother is also proud of his completing the fourth grade with a seventh grade reading level.

“Jonathan is so excited. I have gone over the program outline with him. He can’t wait to build during robotics and attend the forensic science class,” stated Ayala. “At the end of the week [of June 24] there is a showcase, we are all excited to attend and see what amazing things the scholars have accomplished.”