98-year-old fisherman-turned-author inspires youth

Ledyard, Conn. (WTNH) - A formerly illiterate fisherman-turned-author is hoping to inspire our youth, speaking to students in Ledyard just a few years after teaching himself to read and write.

On Wednesday, 98-year-old Captain James Arruda Henry made a guest appearance at Carol Ambrosch's third grade class at Ledyard Center School. The class has been reading Henry's book "In a Fisherman's Language."

Henry was in the third grade himself when he was pulled out of school by his father and forced to go to work. He would later become a lobster boat captain, but was illiterate until he was in his 90's and says he wants more for these kids.

"Just the thought," said Henry, "I cry just because I don't want to see none of you do that. Learn to read and you may become, sometime in the future, when you get old enough, you will know what to do and not to do. One of you may become president of the United States."

"I think he's a good inspirer and I just think he says good things," said third grade student Nina.

"I thought it was really amazing to actually listen to his stories and actually learn about him," said third grade student Erika.

When asked how he felt talking to the students Henry responded, "Oh...that was hard for me. That was real hard for me cause I'm not used to this. Hey I'm a fisherman."

However, that never stopped the 98-year-old who learned to read and write just a few years ago, and then penned his autobiography which congressman Joe Courtney submitted to the Library of congress. It was accepted.

Henry's words have certainly reached the students at Ledyard Center School and will reach beyond the third grade classroom. Henry's book is going to be sent to classrooms in all fifty states throughout the next year and then eventually the president's desk.