A Pike Liberal Arts School student is among the 100 sophomores from across the state who will attend the third annual Capstone Leadership Academy at the University of Alabama April 15 and 16.

Susan Carr, PLAS guidance counselor, said Joshua Starling is an outstanding student and a model young man.

“Josh is very deserving of this honor and it is a real honor for him to be selected to attend the Capstone Leadership Academy,” Carr said.

“Students had to first be nominated by school administrators. The nominees were asked to submit a resume and transcript and an essay for evaluation by the Capstone Council. Each school could nominate two students so there were many nominations from all across the state but only 100 were selected. We are very proud of Josh.”

Starling is a scholar/athlete at PLAS. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and plays varsity baseball for the Patriots.

“It’s an honor to be selected to attend the Capstone Leadership Academy,” said Starling who plans to attend the University of Alabama after high school.

“Academics are important because they determine your future. I study, especially when a hard test is coming up. I really like math and science is the subject that is hardest for me. But I try my best in all subjects. Doing my best is important to me.”

Most of Starling’s afternoons are spent on the baseball diamond.

He pitches and plays first base. As a sophomore on a talent-laden team, he is working hard and patiently waiting for his turn as a starter.

“I really enjoy sports, especially baseball and I’m working hard at it,” he said.

Starling is enjoying high school and is focusing on the things that he needs to do to prepare him for college and a career.

“I’m not sure right now about a career but I’m thinking about sports medicine or maybe becoming a sports trainer,” he said.

For Starling the Capstone Leadership Academy will be a stepping-stone to his future and he’s looking forward to the opportunities that await him there.

The students will be addressed by guest speakers and participate in discussions that focus on the academy’s theme of values, vision and voice.

Starling said developing his leadership skills will benefit him in many ways in high school and in whatever path he chooses in life.

“To be a good leader, you have to be able to communicate,” he said.

“You have to able to get other people to listen to what you have to say and you have to learn to listen to what others say. There are many qualities that make up a good leader. The Capstone Leadership Academy will help me develop those qualities and so this will be a great opportunity for me.”