Story of Triumph and Inspiration: Despite a Life of Hardship, He's Headed for West Point

Read Whole Story at the Los Angeles Times:

Adversity has stalked 18-year-old Tyki Nelworth. His mother is in prison, his father is deceased, and for years he was bounced from home to home.

But the senior at Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles kept focused on his academic goals. He took Advanced Placement classes in English, calculus, biology, chemistry and physics, and nailed a 4.23 grade-point average.

Last week, he got his wish: He was accepted and received a four-year scholarship to the United States Military Academy.

"For me to make it to West Point, that's a big statement," said Nelworth, who plans to study engineering at the academy in upstate New York. "It means the sky's the limit."

On Thursday, members of the high school's alumni association joined a group of current students, faculty, parents and other guests at a special "Principal's Breakfast" to honor Nelworth.

"We've watched you display amazing resilience, strength and determination," alumni board member LaQuitta Cole told Nelworth. "You have been an inspiration to everyone you come in contact with, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed."