Courtesy Photo | 210506-N-ZZ999-001 BRISTOL, Conn. (May 6, 2021) Landon Huffstickler, a senior at...... read more read more
GROTON, Conn. – A teenager from Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London’s Child Youth Program was honored as Connecticut State Military Youth of the Year (MYOY) on May 6.
Landon Huffstickler, a senior at Robert E. Fitch High School, was nominated after winning the local MYOY. As the state winner, Huffstickler received a $5,000 scholarship and will compete next in the Northeast Region MYOY competition.
The MYOY program was established in 2013 and is a component of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Youth of the Year program that recognizes teens, 14 to 18, who serve at BGCA-affiliated military youth centers.
“It’s always nice to win something,” said Huffstickler. “I’ve put in a lot of effort and time towards this; from writing essays, speeches, and really looking into myself and realizing who I am.”
To be selected for this award BGCA looks for teens who are devoted to community and family, are good public speakers, have academic success, strong moral character and life goals. Since the end of 2020 Huffstickler has been working towards this achievement. To get there he had people in his corner. One was Crystal Garcia, a youth director at the Child Youth Program.
“Ms. Crystal has been a huge help,” said Huffstickler. “One of my cardinal sins is that I’m a really big procrastinator. She is always there to remind me and make sure I complete what’s needed.”
Garcia said she was happy to help and be there for Huffstickler. She had only kind words to describe the Connecticut State MYOY.
“I see everything in him,” said Garcia. “He is an amazing driven young man and has a lot of ambition. He has a passion towards anything that he puts in his path. He never does anything halfway. He makes sure that if does something he’s going to be dedicated and does it at 110%.”
Huffstickler comes from a long line of service members. His great grandfather fought in World War II, his grandfather served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and lastly his father recently retired from the Navy. His step-father also currently serves. Huffstickler plans to continue in the footsteps of the men who came before him and also join the military.
“I’m looking into the Air Force right now for the opportunities they provide,” said Huffstickler. “I think it would line up for career choice. Eventually I want to be a U.S. Marshal.”
Huffstickler is looking ahead to putting his best effort towards the next step at regionals and competing against all the other young adults chosen. He thanked the Youth Center team, his family and God.
There will be a total of six regional MYOY winners, one potentially being Huffstickler, who will then move on to National MYOY. The winner of the National MYOY will move on to the BGCA’s National Youth of the Year with a chance to win the title and a $25,000 scholarship that is renewable for four years.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2021 14:42 |
| Story ID: | 397364 |
| Location: | BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Web Views: | 178 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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