HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Homer Hickam Jr., the Coalwood, W.Va., native and author of Rocket Boys: A Memoir, will be the featured speaker during the Elizabeth Gibson Drinko Honors Convocation April 12 at Marshall University.

The convocation is part of the John Deaver Drinko Academy's ninth annual Celebration of Academics, which runs April 11-12. All events will take place in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Hickam will speak at 7 p.m. April 12 on the topic, "Beyond Coalwood." His appearance is free to the public, but seating is limited and a ticket is required for admission. Tickets are available in the Drinko Academy Office, Old Main Room 211, or by calling (304) 696-3183.

Hickam, author of six books, and the four other living Rocket Boys will conduct a book signing following the honors convocation. Hickam's most recent book, We Are Not Afraid, was released earlier this year. Rocket Boys Billy Rose, Roy Cook, Quentin Wilson and Jimmy O'Dell Carroll will join Hickam on stage, and for the book signing. Emily Sue Buckberry, a childhood friend of Hickam's, also will attend.

Rocket Boys: A Memoir also was published as October Sky. The Rocket Boys' story also was the subject of the movie, October Sky. 

The Celebration of Academics begins April 11 with the John Deaver Drinko Symposium. Dr. Edwina Pendarvis, Drinko Fellow and Professor of Gifted Education in Marshall's School of Education, is the featured speaker. She will talk at 2 p.m. on "What Went Right? Educating Gifted Children in Appalachia."

The Elizabeth Gibson Drinko Honors Convocation is the annual formal recognition of Marshall students' academic achievement.

"It's a special time of year when we formally take note of academic achievement," said Martha Woodward, executive director of the Center for Academic Excellence and the Yeager Scholars Program. "It is the academic event of the year. We're particularly pleased that Homer Hickam is returning to share it with us."

Here is the complete schedule of public events during the Celebration of Academics:

Thursday, April 11: The John Deaver Drinko Symposium

• 2 p.m., Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, Dr. Edwina Pendarvis, professor of gifted education in the School of Education, speaks on the topic, "What Went Right? Educating Gifted Children in Appalachia."
• 3 p.m., public reception in the performing arts center lobby.
• 3 p.m., book signing by Professor Jean Edward Smith in the performing arts center lobby.

• 7 p.m., Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, Homer Hickam Jr., author of Rocket Boys: A Memoir, speaks on the topic, "Beyond Coalwood."
• 8:30 p.m., public reception in the performing arts center lobby.
• 8:30 p.m., book signing, featuring Homer Hickam and the rest of the Rocket Boys - Billy Rose, Roy Cook, Quentin Wilson and Jimmy O'Dell Carroll.