Cinnaminson Seventh-Grader Learning Leadership Skills in DC
Justin Arnold is participating in a weeklong conference.
A Cinnaminson seventh-grader is in Washington, D.C., this week after being specially chosen to participate in a leadership conference, learning about debating, history and much more.
Justin Arnold, 12, is at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, a program designed to provide young students with leadership skills.
Justin’s mother, Diana Martine, said she thinks the program will be “life-changing” for her son.
“I’m very proud of him and I just can’t imagine being 12 years old and getting an experience like that,” Martine said.
In only a couple days that he’s been down there, Justin and the other students learned about five centuries of news history at the Newseum. Martine said they learned about the role news plays in society with hands-on exhibits and the newest technology.
On Sunday evening, the students participated in a mock debate, discussing whether students should be allowed to wear peace patches to school. They did a study on First Amendment rights and used what they learned to argue their side.
Martine said Justin and the students also went to Harpers Ferry.
“They learned about slavery and its role in the development of the country,” Martine said.
Justin’s former Rush Intermediate School teacher Michael Fries nominated him. And although Martine describes her son as a “science brainiac,” he’s interested in all topics.
“He’s a [seventh-grader] who loves school,” she said. “He watches the History Channel and stuff about wars. He asks a lot of questions. He’s definitely unique.”
Outside of school, the middle-schooler participates in track and swimming and wants to go to MIT after high school. He also recently applied for New Jersey Oraters, a group that is designed to help students with public speaking.
More than 250 high-achieving middle school students from across the United States are participating in the conference. Students are studying the impact of leadership throughout periods such as the Civil War and Reconstruction, World War II, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement.
Stay with Patch as we interview Justin at the end of the week about his trip.
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Meg Schuster
7:55 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Three cheers for Justin. Although I didn't have him in class, he was on my Cross Country Team last school year and I can attest to the fact that he is a stand out kid who does indeed ask a lot of questions. Always a smile on his face, he'll stop me in the hall and quiz me on something. I truly enjoy his enthusiasm, and am so proud of him for taking this opportunity. It's not one bit surprising to me that Justin was selected to attend this program. I look forward to spending time with him this upcoming school year as well. Congratulations Justin, and his mom too, as we all know that behind every successful kid is one or more super-duper parents.
Mrs. Schuster (teacher and coach, CMS)
Diana martine
3:30 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Thanks so much for your nice comment Ms. Schuster and everyone else who posted to this article. Words can't express how proud I am of Justin.
Diana (Justin's mom)
Vernecia Townes Johnson
9:19 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
What a terrific opportunity for a deserving young man! I look forward to hearing more about this amazing learning experience.
Vernecia Townes Johnson
kim m
9:23 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Couldn't think of a better kid to get this opportunity. It truly is a pleasure to know Justin. I look forward to hearing more.
Pat Kelly
9:36 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
We are all very proud of you over hear at Lockheed Martin. Maybe you can teach us a thing or two when you return home.
Justin Time
9:24 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I would hope someone employeed with Lockheed Martin would see through this a little. You guys should bring him on as an intern. Since he watches the History Channel and asks questions, he should be able to build you guys a more efficient jet or something.
Mrs. Sigmund
10:08 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Justin, that's outstanding! Congratulations! You are a very bright, kind, and responsible young man! I could always count on you in Music Makers! Way to go!
Christine T
10:30 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Justin is an such a wonderful kid. Always so sweet and respectful. What an amazing oppurtunity. Great Job!
Dawn M
11:13 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I have known Justin since he was in preschool. My son was extremly shy and Justin befriended him. This is a testament to his character, it is just who he is. We are so proud of you Justin - way to go.
Justin Time
9:22 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Hi, I'm (Insert your son's name here).
Hi, I'm Justin.
AMERICAN HERO.
Jennifer
11:21 am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
What a terrific experience for Justin. Congrats Justin!!!!
Kristin K
3:46 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
What an amazing opportunity for an amazing young man! Way to go Justin!!!
Cinnaminson Citizen1
6:16 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I don't know you Justin, but Congratulations young man! I am very proud of your accomplishments and that you proudly represent yourself and Cinnaminson! Great Job Ms. Martine! They need to report stories like this more often... Cinnaminson has a diverse community and all need a moment to shine!
Justin Time
9:21 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Yes, 90% Caucasion == diverse. I pity you and your small brain.
Cinnacide
12:47 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Good for this little guy, he's slowly restoring my faith in the younger generations. Much luck to you on your path in life my brother!
Justin Time
9:19 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
If I have but one regret, it is growing up in this town. Mostly everyone is invited to this conference, and it is absolutely worthless and a waste of money. Three cheers for Justin's family being suckered into paying 2,000 dollars for 5 days of doing next to nothing.
"“He’s a [seventh-grader] who loves school,” she said. “He watches the History Channel and stuff about wars. He asks a lot of questions. He’s definitely unique.”"
He asks questions and watches the history channel. Wow. I would hope that I do not need to elaborate on how little that means.
Long story short, while I'm really happy for "Justin" for spending 2,000 dollars on what I would describe as a scam, I have to say this is a pretty good example on why Cinnaminson patch probably should not exist.
Lynn Wixted
10:26 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I know Justin Arnold very well personally. He is a smart, kind, caring kid who enjoys reading and studying. We are proud that such a considerate, friendly kid can experience something like this.
I love living in Cinnaminson and appreciate good friends like Diana and Justin and am happy he can participate in this event!!
For Justin Time why don't you move to a town that makes you happy . I believe Cinnaminson is very diverse. For example, my daughter had a blind girl in her class again this year.
It is a shame people have to make something edifying into something negative. Lynn Wixted
Stew
5:34 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
To Justin Arnold, I hope you enjoy your experience and get everything you can out of it. As you can see from a certain blogger's post, when you don't get to have experiences such as this you become bitter and angry. If you get nothing but a trip to DC with your peers from around the country, so be it. Its an experience you will remeber for years to come.
Justin Time, not knowing you personally I would venture to guess that you will reply to my post with witty negative stats and such. And while you have your negativity juices flowing, maybe you would care to comment on the SPCA and how we spend money to save puppies that should work for the shelter and health care. Come on dude... Let a 7th grader enjoy his moment in the spot light. As you re-read you post 10 times to make it sharp and cutting, spend the time to source out a hug. You need one man...