Clarkstown South Salutatorian: Justin Fletcher

Many students choose to go to college away from home. It's a chance to experience new areas, meet new people and try new things.

Justin Fletcher is taking this one step further – he's leaving the country. OK, so it's Canada, which isn't that far, but it still will allow him to experience a freedom an American college wouldn't he said. The 17-year-old New City resident will be attending McGill University, in Montreal, starting this fall.

"It will be a bit of a different college experience," said the Clarkstown South High School salutatorian. "I wanted something different and independent."

His college choice also will allow Fletcher the chance to use and expand upon his high school French in the mainly French-speaking province of Quebec.

He plans to study economics or political science at McGill -- he is interested in how the two fields are intertwined -- and hopes one day to be a college professor.

The son of Adrienne and Michael Fletcher, he enjoys amusement parks driving and cooking in his spare time. The latter is a new interest and one he is enjoying dabbling in so far.

"I'm just starting to explore that," he said. "It requires a lot of time and I watch the Food Network every day, which is pretty inspiring."

Fletcher's academic achievements at Clarkstown South include being an AP Scholar with Distinction, receiving the George Washington University School of Engineering Medal and being a member of Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society), the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society.

While in high school, he also was a member of the Junior State of America, Rockland County Academic League, The Viking Voice school newspaper and participated in MSG Varsity's The Challenge, an academic competition.

Fletcher said there is a lot he will remember fondly about his time at Clarkstown South, including its positive learning atmosphere.

"It's such a caring and nurturing environment," he said. "If you need help, the teachers are willing to help you and talk to you. There's a close-knit vibe for a pretty large school. It's a good environment to learn in."

Graduation at Clarkstown South is set for 5:30 p.m. today at the South campus in West Nyack.