Justin Laptos

Cadet Justin Laptos and Cadet Noah Magsig are each, and together, inspiring and humbling examples of Courageous Leadership and our university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

On the evening of last October 16, Noah was driving Justin home when they saw a fireball on the road ahead of them. Once they got closer, they realized it was a catastrophic car accident. Noah quickly pulled over, and both students got out and ran toward the car.

After they assessed the scene, they returned to Noah’s car to grab a headrest, knowing they had to break the car windows to help the victims.

As the fire was raging, Justin went to the driver’s side window and helped the driver get out of the car and move him away from the accident. Noah ran to the passenger side and attempted to break the window and get the passenger out of the car. His actions enabled later first responders to access the passenger.

Both cadets risked their lives for the sake of others, and their heroic actions saved a life.

While others passed by or looked on, these cadets moved toward those in need despite imminent threat to their personal safety. Upon arriving at the scene, they split up to help everyone they could, further defying the danger to themselves.

These two honorees both embodied Ut Prosim and Courageous Leadership by their decisions and actions, and in keeping with the traditions of the Aspire Awards, we have asked each of these cadets to speak to one Aspiration.

Cadet Justin Laptos is a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering. After graduation, he plans to commission into the United States Air Force as a Civil Engineer.

Justin said, “To me, Ut Prosim means service as action, not just intention.”

He lives by the core value of leaving a place better than he found it. He embraces Ut Prosim by taking initiative instead of waiting for someone else to take charge. He said, “Nothing can get done without taking that first step.”

Justin said he is most proud of being a Virginia Tech student and a member of the Corps of Cadets. The corps helped him find his place when he came to Virginia Tech. He said, “Being surrounded by people who I've never met before scared me at first, but knowing that we all went through the same experience gave me comfort.”

He said that the corps has strengthened him by teaching him discipline, accountability, and integrity.

Justin is an advocate for the Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center and is the owner of four pets. He is a strong believer in adopting pets from shelters.

For his selfless actions in service to others, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for EMBRACE UT PROSIM AS A WAY OF LIFE to Justin Laptos.