JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- For more than two decades, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have had a long-standing partnership with the U.S. armed services, recognizing the strength and resilience of military youth around the world.
This year’s Alaska Military Youth of the Year is Jon Peterson, 18, a member of Kennecott Youth Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
“He’s probably one of our most outstanding youth I’ve ever seen come through this program,” said Deandre Wood, Kennecott Youth Center recreation specialist. “He’s very well-spoken, a great leader, and he’s all about getting kids involved. He is years beyond his maturity level. When you’re speaking to him, it’s like you’re speaking to a young Airman or young adult.”
Boys and Girls Clubs of America serve and support half a million military youth and their families every year, including the 484 affiliated youth centers on U.S. military instillations worldwide.
At the local level, clubs select candidates from ages 14 to 18 for youth of the month. Of those, one goes on to represent their club in the state competition. The program is designed to promote service to club, community and family, academic success, strong moral character, life goals and poise and public speaking.
Jon won the state competition and received a $5,000 scholarship and an invitation to compete at the Pacific Air Forces regional level, where he’ll compete for a $10,000 scholarship–renewable for up to $40,000–and a chance to compete at the National Military Youth of the Year competition in Washington, D.C., where a $100,000 scholarship will be up for grabs. Additionally, the winner will serve a one-year term as the military youth spokesperson for the Department of Defense, the military services and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
“This is an awesome opportunity for Jon, who already exemplifies the characteristics of an effective leader as well as the Air Force and military core values,” Wood said.
Competitors for Military Youth of the Year must demonstrate academic excellence, give speeches, volunteer in the community and submit four essays. One of the essays was about military lifestyle and how it affects military youth.
“Some people might look at all the moves military families make as a challenge, but I enjoy it,” said Jon, who’s lived in 11 different places and attended three high schools. “I always think I’m going to meet my next new set of friends, my next adventure. I feel like it’s really built my character.”
Jon graduates from Eagle River High School this spring and plans on attending Texas Tech University where he’ll be majoring history and minoring in education.
“My ultimate goal is to teach at an on-base school and provide education for military children around the world. These schools really helped form who I am today and I want to pay it forward and do the same for other military children.”