Leading By Example: The Boys & Girls Clubs Military Youth Of The Year Finalist

The motto of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is clear, "to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." We know such famous Americans as Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White and "American Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez were Club members as children.

Retired U.S. Army General and former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Wesley Clark was also a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in his youth, and he won the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service to his country. For deserving members of the Boys & Girls Club today, however, there is an honor Clark might envy called The Military Youth of the Year.

This award is a separate element of the National Youth of the Year program, "it recognizes a Club member served on a military installation who has overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments."

There are local, state and regional competition stages for the Military Youth of the Year award, and the winner is named at an exclusive ceremony in the nation's capitol. This also is an automatic entry into the National Youth of the Year finals, which includes five regional nominees.

A quick glance at 2014-2015 finalists for the Military Youth of the Year honor shows us exactly what kind of young American is qualified for the award.

Elizabeth Grace Hubbard moved with her military family through three countries and three states, all while suffering from chronic migraine headaches. That didn't stop her from joining the Travis Air Force Base Teen Zone in Northern California and becoming a leader at her school. She was President of Future Business Leaders of America, President of Student2Student and a member of the National Honor Society, all while maintaining a 4.7 GPA.

Another finalist, Brendan Kennedy, joined the Robins Air Force Base Youth Center in Georgia after his family moved there. He works part time and helps out with his family at home, and has a 4.0 GPA as a senior in high school.

Kilana Jenkins, a member of the Andrews Air Force Base Youth Center in Maryland, has a very busy life, she is the varsity volleyball team captain, senior editor of the yearbook, a National Honor Society member, a Unified Bocce Ball team member, a student ambassador, a member of the Wise Singers choral group—and has a 3.5 GPA.

The members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, who are part of military families that often move around the country and the world to help in the defense of our nation, exemplify the best of what the future has to offer, and they all should be recognized for their contributions to their communities and families.