The young man peered into the blackness, searching for a hunk of metal. As he saw it streak through the heavens he was transfixed.

Homer Hickam Jr. describes that encounter with Sputnik in October 1957 this way in his book, "Rocket Boys":"Then I saw the bright little ball, moving majestically across the narrow star field between the ridgelines. I stared at it with no less rapt attention than if it had been God Himself in a golden chariot riding overhead. It soared with what seemed to me inexorable and dangerous purpose, as if there were no power in the universe that could stop it."

It was a life-defining moment for Hickam. Fascination turned to passion as he determined his life would no longer focus on the coal mines of Coalwood, W.Va., but on outer space.

His quest to build rockets and join NASA (which he did) is compellingly portrayed in the film, "October Sky," which is based on "Rocket Boys."

The movie is to academics what "Rocky" is to athletics. As Hickam has noted in various interviews, it captures the spirit of the town, his family and what actually happened.

Before continuing with observations about Hickam and his "Rocket Boy" friends, let's pause briefly to give Hollywood some praise. It actually can produce riveting movies without profanity and sexual innuendo (or worse).

Hickam's story is about more than figuratively reaching for the stars. It portrays the strength of the human spirit. If you have a dream and work at it hard enough, it will become a reality. And that's exactly what happened with Hickam and his pals.

Jerry Sloan would have loved these guys. Their work ethic makes them honorary members of the Utah Jazz.

As Hickam told Robert Denerstein of the Rocky Mountain News, that dedication to purpose is what enabled them to achieve.

"I still think in this country, if you have a dream, it doesn't matter who your parents are or what your race is. You don't have to be the smartest person in the world, either. The movie makes it clear that except for Quentin (an eccentric friend), we were average kids. We had what John Kennedy used to call 'vigor.' We were able to do better than kids who were smarter, because we were willing to work hard at it."

While Hickam's dream was determined with a glance upward, others will be realized in different ways. He has thoughts about that, making it clear that it's up to each individual to determine what he or she should pursue.

"You've got to be self-motivated. When I talk to kids, my message is to first try to figure out their passions. Go turn off the radio, the TV and even your parents. Get alone without anybody distracting you. Try to figure out what will make you happy and fulfilled."

One of life's messages seems to be that as people recognize the commitment of an individual to a worthwhile goal, they are not only willing but eager to help. Hickam noted that the machinists in the mines "loved working on our rockets." Years later, his NASA buddies, when shown the work the machinists produced, marveled at the craftsmanship.

The boys also received a considerable boost from a dedicated math teacher, Freida Joy Riley, who despite a terminal illness (she died from Hodgkin's disease at 32), continually gave them positive reinforcement and inspired them.

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I've had a number of opportunities to address high school students in the past 18 years as a representative of the Deseret News. The impressions have almost always been favorable (of them -- I'm not sure what they think of me). I've sensed their desire to not only prepare themselves for honorable careers but to make a positive contribution to mankind.

Last week I visited with a class at Viewmont High School in Bountiful. I felt like I was talking to a room full of Homer Hickams. They asked questions like this: "As an editorial writer, do you feel additional responsibility to your readers as you are helping to shape their minds?"

I do. And I feel fortunate to be part of a society that encourages minds to stretch and grow. The "Rocket Boys" are a welcome reminder of how blessed we are to live in America.

Deseret News editorial writer John Robinson can be reached by e-mail at jrob@desnews.com

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