Challenge young people by having high expectations of them; engage them with the opportunity to realize those expectations through constructive, character-building activities. —Colin Powell

Colin Powell: Man of Honor Report by: Michelle Carney For: Ms. Carney Language Arts Period 3

Childhood Colin Luther Powell was born in Harlem, New York City on April 5, He was the son of a shipping clerk and a seamstress, both of whom were immigrants from Jamaica. Powell spent most of his childhood in the South Bronx. He was an ordinary student throughout high school.

Adulthood At City College of New York, Powell discovered himself. His leadership abilities made him a success in the Army's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He graduated from the program in 1958 with the rank of cadet colonel, the highest awarded, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was then assigned to duty in West Germany.

Family Life In 1962, while stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, Powell met and married Alma Vivian Johnson. The couple have three children.

Obstacles/Challenges in Life Powell's next overseas assignment was in South Vietnam, where he was wounded in action. He then studied at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, finishing second in a class of more than twelve hundred officers. During a second tour in Vietnam he received the Soldier's Medal for pulling several men from a burning helicopter.

Education He attended the City College of New York, and graduated from the R.O.T.C program in 1958 with the rank of cadet colonel; the highest awarded. He was then commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The army then provided Powell the time to study for a Master's degree in business administration at George Washington University. He received the degree in 1971.

Contributions to Society In April 1997 Powell chaired a Volunteer Summit in Philadelphia. Powell's next step was to chair America's Promise, the Alliance for Youth. This organization is "dedicated to mobilizing individuals, groups and organizations from every part of American life, to build and strengthen the character and competence of our youth." This organization has touched the lives of over 10 million children since its inception.

Plans for the future On December 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush nominated Powell to become the 65th Secretary of State. Following a unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate, he was sworn in on January 20, 2001.