Schofield Teen Named 2014 State Military Youth Of The Year
A Schofield Barracks teenager has been named Hawaii Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (BGCA) 2014 Military Youth of the Year.
The State Youth of the Year (and Military Youth of the Year) event, held March 27 at the state capitol, showcased exemplary youths who have overcome adversity to become leaders.
Alexis Brodie of the Schofield Barracks Bennett Youth Center took part in the daylong event that included a speech and interview element and presentations on the House and Senate floors, culminating in a luncheon at The Plaza Club. Mason Aquino of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Central Clubhouse, was named State Youth of the Year.
Part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national initiative, the annual state Youth of the Year competition is a recognition program that rates members on promoting service, academic success, strong moral character, life goals, poise and public speaking ability.
Five candidates qualified for the state level by winning their local club competitions. Each spoke at the capitol about how the Boys & Girls Club has positively impacted their lives. The four judges were Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, Bank of Hawaii vice chairwoman Donna Tanoue and Merton Chinen from the State of Hawaii Office of Youth Services.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs are an incredibly important part of the community,” Recktenwald said. “The club members who participate in this competition reflect the best values of the Boys & Girls Clubs – honor, hard work, dedication, community service and perseverance.”
Aquino and Brodie each received $2,200 in scholarships, including a $1,000 award from Tupperware Brands. They move on to the Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition, which takes place in California this summer.
Five regional representatives and a military winner will then advance to Washington, D.C., to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year.
The winner will receive a scholarship of up to $50,000 from the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States.
