Photo By Airman Raina Dale | Cathy Terrall, left, director of military services for the Boys and Girls Club of...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — For years, military youth centers, such as Kennecott and Two Rivers on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, partner with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have been recognizing youth members who embody skills such as leadership, service, academic excellence and live an overall healthy lifestyle through the Youth of the Year program.
The program celebrates the extraordinary achievements of BGCA and military youth center members. Each candidate works for several months with their club and youth center advisor to submit their application.
Before competing at the Alaska event, candidates compete at their local level to represent their club or youth center at state level. The application contains a resume, two letters of recommendation, four essays, a cover letter and a speech.
“We believe every kid and teen deserves access to life-shaping experiences designed to empower youth to lead healthy, productive lives,” said Cathy Terall, director of military services for BGCA Alaska. “Through caring mentors, innovative programming and an unwavering commitment to safety and incorporation, clubs and BGCA-affiliated youth centers across the nation do whatever it takes to support all youth on their path to a great future.”
This year’s winners were Charles M., member of the BGCA of Kenai Peninsula and Alaska Youth of the Year winner, and Izac G., representative of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Wainwright Youth Services and the Alaska Military Youth of the Year winner.
“I am committed to making positive impact in my community by being an approachable leader,” said Izac. “My time at the youth center has taught me the importance of dedication and the value of having a welcoming space where everyone can feel included.”
Both winners received $2,500 in scholarship money and will compete at the regional level in Los Angeles where, if they win, they will receive an additional $20,000 in scholarship money.
“Their experience is unique and important,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Lisa Mabbutt, commander of JBER and the 673d Air Base Wing. “For these youth to have the maturity and confidence to think about these things, form a message, and then be able to articulate it to adults, is a mature skill to have.”
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2025 19:41 |
| Story ID: | 494431 |
| Location: | JBER, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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