BI Student David De Costa Attends Four Star Leadership Program with General Tommy Franks
Alexandria, VA – Bishop Ireton High School student David De Costa was selected to attend the prestigious Four Star Leadership Program hosted by the General Tommy Franks Institute in Oklahoma City.
De Costa was one of only 76 top high school leaders chosen from across the globe to participate in the program, which focuses on cultivating principled leadership, civic responsibility, and effective communication among the next generation of global changemakers.
As part of the program, students toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, reflecting on the tragic events of April 19, 1995, and learning how the “Oklahoma Standard” of community, resilience, and service emerged in its aftermath. They also visited the Oklahoma State Capitol, where they engaged with lawmakers and representatives from Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations, deepening their understanding of diverse cultures and the importance of heritage in shaping American democracy.
In 2008, General Tommy Franks launched the Four Star Leadership Program. Franks, who led U.S. and Coalition forces in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, is one of America’s most decorated military leaders. His numerous honors include five Distinguished Service Medals, three Purple Hearts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
De Costa, a standout scholar from Virginia, was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Gifted Student in Virginia, a title he previously earned in 2020. His academic and civic achievements have earned him national recognition, including being a two-time winner of the U.S. Naval Essay Contest, a prestigious competition sponsored by the Department of Defense.
De Costa was also named Grand Champion in the Engineering Design Challenge at the NOVA Fab Lab, where he was recognized for his innovative approach to solving complex engineering problems.
This summer’s experience with the Four Star Leadership Program adds to De Costa’s expanding record of service, scholarship, and integrity – a combination that positions him to be a transformative leader in the years ahead.
