Felix's life was only beginning...

In May 2009 Felix graduated from Oak Forest High School and was preparing to attend a local college in September. Felix was a well-liked student with an understanding of the value of hard work and setting goals.

In the spring of 2008, Felix was nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security "Exploring American Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defense" to be held in Washington, D.C. An excerpt of the letter sent to Felix's parents about this honor:

"We first became aware of Felix through the National Research Center for College and University Admissions' Talent Identification Program ... Felix meets the high standards we set to qualify as a nominee, please accept my personal congratulations. Felix's nomination to represent his school and community at the Forum on National Security places him among a very select group of the nation's top students. Fewer than 1 percent of all high-achieving high school students are presented with this opportunity...as a former Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, I am convinced of the value and importance of this forum for students with special talent and ability ..."
Sincerely,
Daniel W. Christman
Lieutenant General
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Senior Councilor to the
National Youth Leadership Forum