Teenage burn victim to return to school

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NEW YORK, April 20 (UPI) -- Michael Brewer says he's returning to school seven months after classmates allegedly doused him with alcohol and set him on fire in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

"I feel great," Brewer, 15, said Tuesday on the "Today" show in New York. "I kind of miss school."

Brewer did not say what school he will be attending, but it will not be Deerfield Beach Middle School where he was in the seventh grade when he was attacked last October, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Tuesday.

"This school is terrible," Brewer said on the "Today" show of Deerfield Beach Middle. "I don't know why I even went to it."

Brewer was severely burned over two-thirds of his body after being set on fire in the courtyard of an apartment complex. Three teenagers ages 15 to 16 have been charged as adults with second-degree attempted murder for the attack.

Brewer Tuesday offered encouragement to former classmate Josie Lou Ratley, 15, who was seriously injured March 17 in a beating at a bus stop in Deerfield Beach. A high school boy was arrested and charged.

"She needs to start believing in herself," Brewer said of Ratley. "She can do it."