Who is Mr. Turner from Rocket Boys: A Memoir and what is their importance? Rocket_Boys English & Literature Mr. Turner | Rocket Boys: A Memoir

Mr. Turner is the high school principal who, initially, doesn't seem to believe in Sonny and the boys. He considers them bomb builders, not rocket scientists in development. He isn't supportive, or a fan, until the boys are seniors. Miss Riley takes Sonny to see the principal about participating in the McDowell County Science Fair. Mr. Turner gives Sonny and oral exam, questioning him, to determine if the boy can actually answer tough scientific questions about rockets. Mr. Turner doesn't seem particularly impressed but, upon hearing that Sonny has taught himself about rocketry, and knows his stuff, decides to allow Sonny to compete in the science fair. He reveals that the principal of another high school in the county, Welch High School, has been trying to make a wager about the outcome. When Sonny wins, Mr. Turner wins. When Sonny graduates, Mr. Turner hands him his diploma and tells him "You've brought great honor to this school." Then he adds, "Not bad for a bomb builder." Mr. Turner has Sonny's National Science Fair medal placed in the trophy case next to all of the football awards.