Teen flies on wings of pilot dad
Published:Friday | June 18, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Laura Redpath, Senior Staff Reporter
Inspired by his dad to pursue his dreams, 18-year-old Blake Roper will be leaving the country to do so on Monday, a day after Father's Day.
A student of Wolmer's Boys' School, Blake praised his father, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Roper, for his professionalism and commitment to country.
The senior Roper is a commanding officer in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Air Wing.
"Just growing up and seeing him at work, I was interested in following a similar career path, along the same lines," Blake told The Gleaner.
"The duty and honour of serving one's country also inspired me. I want to come back and join the JDF. (My father) might retire before I come back but working with him would be interesting."
Patriotism
Blake, whose goal is to become a fighter pilot, is one of 12 international students who were chosen to read for a bachelor's degree at the United States Naval Academy in Maryland on the back of a US$72,000 (J$6.2 million) scholarship.
"I will put out my best and serve my country well," the teenager said at the presentation of appointment held at the US Embassy in St Andrew.
Blake will be one of the students selected to carry the torch of excellence as part of the International Students Programme, which was implemented in 1863.
Right now, Blake is leaning towards engineering.
Aside from academics, the Wolmerian is looking forward to building networking.
"I'm excited about the summer, where I do a lot of training. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and building friendships."
US Chargé d'Affaires Isiah Parnell offered best wishes to the Roper family, while praising the Jamaican school system.
"Jamaica has a history of sending accomplished students to the academy," Parnell said.
To Roper, he added: "It speaks well of you, of your family and of Jamaica."