Malmstrom teen honored as youth of the year

  • Published
  • By Annjeanette Brown
  • Malmstrom Youth Programs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Youth centers on all military installations around the world are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.  Youth of the Year is one of BGCA's premier youth recognition programs and recognizes sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Youth Programs member, Logan Smith, age 15, son of Todd and Stacy Smith, was selected as the Malmstrom Military Youth of the Year. Logan represented Malmstrom at the Montana Youth of the Year competition in Helena for the title of Montana Military Youth of the Year and won a $5,000 college scholarship.

Winners at the state level will compete for the title of Southwest Military Region Youth of the Year against seven other military regional winners and an additional $10,000 scholarship which is renewable up to four years from the BGCA. Five regional winners and one military winner advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2016, to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and has the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

Being named Military Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Youth Programs member can receive. As the Youth Programs premier youth recognition program, Military Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Youth Center, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Military Youth of the Year encourages members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.

Logan is a role model for the younger members at the Youth Center. Logan is very motivated to further his role as a junior staff volunteer at the Youth Center. As a Youth Programs member and volunteer, Logan is always helping younger youth with homework, playing games or just being there with advice. He also enjoys working with the Youth Center's sports program.

"Overall I have enjoyed being a military dependent and Youth Programs has been an essential part of my life," Logan said.