Luke's top youth goes to D.C.

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman CJ Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Every year the Boys and Girls Club, along with military installation youth centers, recognize outstanding youth from the community through the youth of the year program. This summer Jada Branche, 14, Luke Air Force Base youth of the year, will join other military youth to compete in Washington, D.C., for the AETC level and then at the Air Force level.

"Luke's youth of the year will represent the base at this event in Washington, D.C.," said Sheryl Bush, 56th Force Support Squadron Youth Programs coordinator. "Jada is a very good candidate. She will represent Luke well."

The program for military youth starts at their local youth center or club, where they hold youth of the quarter competitions. Those selected as youth of the quarter then compete for youth of the year.

"The program for military youth works differently than for the other Boys and Girls clubs," Ms. Bush said. "For a regular club the children compete at state and region competitions before going to D.C. for the U.S. youth of the year competition."

The major command and Air Force-level competitions will be held the end of June in Washington, D.C. Youth from all over the U.S. will come for educational activities and meetings with congressmen and possibly the president.

"I'm looking forward to the D.C. trip," Jada said. "It will be an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends."

Jada, after being named Luke's youth of the year, participated in the Darden Recipe for Success Workshop in Phoenix which is designed to inspire youth to achieve goals and introduce them to the possibilities of post-secondary education.

"During the Darden workshop Jada, who is a freshman, competed with juniors and seniors," Ms. Bush said. "It's rare to see a freshman make it as far as Jada has."

Because of her involvement in the Darden workshop the youth center received $1,000 to use for post-secondary education training and workshops.

Jada was selected to represent Luke because of her outstanding performance in the club and her community.

"She helps out all the time," Ms. Bush said. "Jada is here on Funtastic Fridays to help watch the younger children. She ran the gift shop at the Winter Wonderland by herself. If there is ever a need for another person or an open spot to help out, Jada is there."

She also participates in many youth center programs.

"I am in the Keystone Club, the youth exchange and study program and many others," Jada said. "I love being here at the center; it's lots of fun."

Involvement in their club and community is a large part of the competition. Each base's nominee is reviewed on seven areas where they can excel.

"We had to write a large package on Jada to submit for review for the MAJCOM and Air Force youth of the year," Ms. Bush said.

The seven areas are home and family, moral character, community, school, service to the club, life goals and two written essays. Examples are submitted of demonstrated leadership and service along with letters from family, teachers and others who have recognized these values in the candidate. The candidate writes two essays -- one on what the club means to him or her and one on the importance of post high school education.

Jada has goals for her post high school education and has a plan to achieve those goals.

"When I grow up I would like to be a psychiatrist, because I like helping people," Jada said. "I'm interested in why people do things and how they think. My friends come to me all the time. The youth of the year scholarship will help me get a good start in college."

Jada is ready to go and compete in D.C. and has her eye on the Air Force title.

"I really want to win youth of the year," Jada said. "Major command would be nice, but I'm aiming for Air Force."