Aric Bowker, a middle-schooler from Scott Alternative School, was recently named Student of the Year by Learning for Life. Aric and 10 of his classmates from Scott Alternative School participated in a new Learning for Life program during the second semester of the 2008-2009 school year.
The group was mentored by a volunteer team of five U.S. Marines. The Marines worked with the students on physical training, close-order drill, character, initiative, endurance and self-discipline. They also completed Learning for Life lessons on career exploration, leadership, teamwork, decision making and ethics.  
As a reward for their progress during the first few months of the program, five cadets of the Scott Alternative School U.S. Marine Mentor program were selected to attend a field trip to Parris Island, S.C. Aric was one of the students selected to participate. He and the other participants also attended a field trip to Hunter Army Airfield a few weeks later. The boys had an opportunity to experiment with some of the tools Marines utilize while in the field. They were able to try on military gear, test their physical strength and eat MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat).
“The influence of the Marine volunteers through the Learning for Life program had a profound impact on Aric’s overall demeanor and self-confidence,” observed Elnora Herbert, graduation coach at Scott Alternative School. “Aric began the program reserved, quiet and unmotivated. Weeks later, after participating in the field trip to Paris Island, Aric began to exhibit skills as a leader and motivator with ambition.  He completely changed, coming out of his ‘shell’ and exhibiting a positive, focused attitude.”
Aric agrees that the program has influenced him to start thinking more seriously about his future. “Through the program I have gained an interest in the Marine Corps as a career,” he said.
Learning for Life and Exploring, funded in part by United Way, are subsidiaries of Boy Scouts of America. Learning for Life and Exploring strive to be America’s foremost career and character education program for youth.