Anthony DeMark, 16, of Duryea, was recently chosen as one of 50 top-ranking high school students in the country to attend Four Star Leadership at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Okla.
Founded by retired US Army General Tommy Franks, Four Star Leadership is a summer program that provides students with both classroom and one-on-one experience with international, national, state and military leaders.
The students participated in practical leadership, team-building and ethics scenarios. They were challenged both individually, through persuasive speech and writing competitions, as well as collaboratively via an ethics forum. In addition, students took part in cultural and service related outings, among them the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and also volunteered at a local homeless shelter.
While in Oklahoma, DeMark was individually mentored by General Franks, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, retired Army Colonel and current FOX News contributor Allen West, Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Smith and other prominent leaders.
In the last several months, he has also attended the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and Petty Officer Leadership Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap.
DeMark is an honor student at Pittston Area High School and a member of the wrestling and cross country teams. He is employed at Gerrity’s in West Pittston and volunteers regularly with youth sports and veterans organizations.
DeMark is the son of Pete and Kim DeMark, grandson of Louis and Pauline DeMark and the late Arthur and Helen Schiavo. He is a Petty Officer 3rd Class and the Leading Petty Officer of the Wahoo (SS-238) Division U.S. Naval Sea Cadets based at the Navy Operational Support Center in Avoca.
