VIDALIA — Many people only learn about CIA and FBI agents from the movies, but one Delta Charter sophomore will learn about national security from the real agents behind the badge this week.

Landon Kenney, 15, is scheduled to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security — Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defense in Washington D.C. today through Sunday. Kenney will have the opportunity to participate in simulations, talk to national security professionals and tour the nation’s Capitol.

Betty Jo Harris is Kenney’s civics teacher and said he is conscientious and quiet. But she said he also speaks up in class and offered a contribution to a debate about immigration a few weeks ago.

“He was a team player and helped his team,” Harris said.

At the beginning of last year, Kenney took an aptitude test at Vidalia High School. In the test, he chose four career interests, one of which was national security.

His test score, combined with his interest, brought him to the attention of Envision.

“I guess you could say I stuck out in the school,” Kenney said.

When Kenney came home one day in March last year, his mother, Jolene Kenney, said she had a surprise for him. That was when she handed him the envelope and he saw he had been invited.

Although initially confused, Kenney was excited and preparations were made for him to go.

“It’s the first time I’m going to be traveling by myself and it’s going to be the first time I’ve ever been on a commercial airline,” Kenney said.

It’s also the first time Kenney’s going to be on his own and his first time in D.C. Kenney said he is nervous but looking forward to his trip, especially seeing the White House.

“I get to see it in person, and I get to tour it, so I’ll get a firsthand experience of what it’s like to be there,” Kenney said.

Kenney also believes the forum might help him with his future career choice. Kenney said he’s considering going into the engineering field, but he thinks the forum could steer him toward government work.

Kenney is the son of Emmett Kenney.