Class of 2007

Aircraft in the future for Lodi Academy valedictorian

Since Nathan Phelps, 18, was in kindergarten, he knew he wanted to be an aerospace engineer.

Nathan Phelps

The Lodi Academy valedictorian is a step closer to his goal, planning to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall.

His love for airplanes began at the age of 2 when his father made him a model airplane. Since then, he has attended countless air shows and asked the pilots complicated questions.

"It's a dream I've had for a long time," he said, adding that he's especially interested in the unmanned aircraft field.

Phelps was a member of the Tokay Model Airplane Club and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, president of the National Honor Society at Lodi Academy and senior class historian, and played football and basketball all four years.

While Nathan's parents are his role models, other people inspire him, too.

"People who impress me are those who came back from a setback," he said. He is inspired by Bethany Hamilton, who survived a shark attack, losing an arm, and became a professional surfer; and Lance Armstrong, who won the Tour de France after surviving cancer.

"The struggle made him stronger," Phelps said.

Phelps enjoyed the close-knit atmosphere at Lodi Academy. He knew most of the students and said it was like family. He liked that the teachers cared about his work and were good mentors.

Though he has a 4.01 grade point average, it was hard work to get there, especially with all the activities he did.

"It feels good to finish well. It seemed like there was no way to get everything done," he added.

His words to live by are "Truth without fear," a family motto his uncle found while doing family history research.

"I try to be a person of integrity and not be afraid to be myself," he said. "I live the way God would want me to."

He also said that friends are important and can't be wasted. They don't have to be there for you; they choose to be.