Exceptional Peterson teen wins military youth of the year

Published Jan. 21, 2014
By 21st Space Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Selected among several local outstanding youth, Jennifer Choate will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Colorado Military Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship.

As the new Military Youth of the Year for Peterson AFB, 15-year-old Jennifer, daughter of Dorothy Choate, Peterson Airmen and Family Services flight chief, is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Military Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA's premier youth recognition program, both Youth of the Year (Traditional BGCA Club) and Military Youth of the Year recognize outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. On our military bases, Military Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Military Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

Choate has aspirations of attending the U.S. Air Force Academy or Penn State University followed by medical school, where she would like to become a pediatrician and care for the children of our military service members. She carries a rigorous academic load maintaining an "A average" at Cheyenne Mountain High School. In addition to academics, she is a member of the field hockey and track and field teams, and enjoys downhill skiing.

If Choate wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Southwest Region Military Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2014, to compete for the title of BGCA's National Military Youth of the Year. The National Military Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the president at the White House.

Youth of the year