Covington Virginian-Review
July 22, 2006

Bath Graduate Credits JRGS for His Success

When he graduated at the head of his class at Bath county High School in 2005, Joshua Williams had no idea how far his experiences in high school would take him when he entered the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The former student of the Jackson River Governor's School at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College credits the program with much of his first-year success at the Academy. Having taken pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, environmental science and engineering at the JRGS, Williams was well-prepared.

"The biggest thing for me was time management," said Williams. "There is a huge difference between preparing for a high school class and preparing for a JRGS class. Learning how to budget my time for a college-level course has come in very handy over the past year."

No doubt. The Academy requires a demanding schedule for its students. "Most classes are in the mornings," said Williams. "The afternoon and every other weekend are spent in military training. I'm usually up by 6 a.m. and don't finish my classes and duties until 5 p.m."

Additionally, according to the Academy's website, cadets must participate in four 50-minute periods each morning and three each afternoon and mandatory intramural teams two afternoons a week, unless they're an intercollegiate athlete. Academy students also have longer semesters and shorter breaks than most college students, with the fall and spring semesters lasting 17 weeks each and the summer term lasting 10 weeks, with a summer break consisting of three weeks. In addition to classes, studying, military training and other mandatory activities, Williams also has squeezed in the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps, which performs at football games and all military activities.

While Williams' long-term goals are undecided, his next few years already are committed. Following graduation he has to serve five years of active duty in the Air Force. "After my commitment is up, it will depend on what I'm doing as to whether I'll remain in the service."

He doesn't have to make a decision on his major for another year, but Williams already is eyeing that goal. "I'm leaning toward astronautical engineering, but right now I'm taking my general core."

Those general core classes also have been somewhat easier thanks to Williams' experience with the JRGS. "My classes at the Air Force Academy have been more in-depth, but the background information I received while at the Governor's School has been a tremendous help in allowing me to be academically successful."

"Obviously, Josh is a hard-working goals-oriented student who doesn't let obstacles stand in his way," said Dr. Sue Rollinson, director of the Jackson River Governor's School. "It was a pleasure to work with him for two years and we're thrilled with his successes at the U.S. Air Force Academy."