MAFB's Youth of the Year named Published March 18, 2011 By Airman Cortney Hansen 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Amelia Fasting, 15, was named Malmstrom's Youth of the Year and was selected to compete against other Boys and Girls Club members for the Montana Youth of the Year title and scholarship opportunity. Although she was not named Montana's Youth of the Year, Amelia said she was very excited to represent Malmstrom Air Force Base, the Boys and Girls Club, and Air Force Global Strike Command. "Youth of the year is actually a Boys and Girls Club program," said Annjeanette Brown, a recreation specialist at Malmstrom's Youth Center. "It's basically to recognize teens with leadership and good character." After winning Malmstrom's Youth of the Year title, Amelia was selected to head a Teen Council. The council meets on teen nights, usually coinciding with the Keystone Club, and is intended to create a healthy environment for teens. "I want to get more teens involved within the youth programs, not just the current number we have," Amelia said about the Teen Council. "Hopefully we can expand outward into the community." Amelia has two younger sisters, which allows her to find a different focus on leadership and provides various viewpoints, she said. Amelia, daughter of Capt. Claus Fasting and Beth Fasting, was among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. "I'm more of a leader than I thought I was," she said. "You don't really think you're a leadership type of person until you step up into those new roles." For more information about the Youth of the Year and other program opportunities for Malmstrom youth, visit the Youth Center or call 731-4634.