Whiz Kid: Jorge Rodriguez

Jorge Rodriguez, 17, is ’s Student of the Month--and not just because he gets good grades. Rodriguez, a senior, is a leader in Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and he’s the student representative to the Board of Education.

Why do you think your teachers named you student of the month?

I’m definitely friendly. I keep a high maturity level, that’s one big thing. I do what I can to participate as much as I can. I’m always on top of my work and [my grades] are all mostly As—I always try to go for those A-pluses. I’m a good role model, I guess.  

How long have you served as the student representative to the Board of Education?

I was appointed to the Board of Education as a representative in November of last year, and basically what I am is the eyes and ears for the students. I would bring up anything if it’s a problem. If not, I just report good things and what’s going on with the students.

What kind of issues do you bring up?

I usually bring up things that I hear constantly, like an issue with, say, cell phones. There’s a policy that says cell phones aren’t allowed during school hours. If a teacher catches a student using a cell phone during school, the teacher calls security. It’s far too extreme in my opinion. People have to have cell phones and sometimes they forget to put it on vibrate. What I would suggest is that the policy be changed so they get one or two warnings [unless] the student is interrupting class--in that case the person can be sent out.

What other extracurricular activities do you do?

I do outdoor track. Last year I did the 4-by-8 relay and the 1,600 meter run and the 800 meters. This year, I’m hoping to switch it up to a sprinting event, although I’ll probably stick to distance. I’m also part of the math team. I’m not very good but I do what I can.

Do you participate in any volunteer activities in the community?

I did do a lot of volunteering. You’re required to do 40 hours of community service. I did a lot of Ocean Beach cleanup and Thanksgiving help with the VFW and American Legion, helped out with child and family services, participated with parades, and helped out with graduation last year. It amounted 80 or 90 community service hours.

What do you do as a member of NJROTC?

We do drill team and I’m on the academic team for NJROTC and do color guard events for them. It stresses the importance of self-discipline, respect for the country, developing a person’s character to be more responsible and aware of citizenry. It develops leadership skills. Every year you have an opportunity to advance. I was the executive officer, which is second in command. My position was recently relieved because I’m a senior. (We do our turnover at the military ball to a junior rising senior.) I am currently the holding the rank of cadet lieutenant.

Do you plan to enter the military when you graduate?

Oh yes. I definitely want to go into the Navy. What I would like to do is go into the nuclear program. I would like to see if I could find any way to help develop new systems using nuclear power. Science is my biggest thing. It seems to come naturally to me. I want to ride on aircraft carriers. If not, I’ll settle for a destroyer. After my Navy career I want to get into politics. My ultimate goal is to become President!