Vance summer hire named AETC Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Hill
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Matt Crowell, a summer hire at the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron, was recently named Air Education and Training Command's Youth of the Year - part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America annual awards program. 

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys and Girls Club; academic excellence; and personal challenges and obstacles overcome. 

"When I was notified, I was pretty much over joyous," said Matt. "It is definitely an honor."
According to Kate Holdeman, Vance Air Force Base youth program coordinator, Matt was nominated because he has always demonstrated strong leadership skills, worked very hard to achieve his academic goals and focused a great deal of time and energy on service to his community, family and friends. 

"He is an exemplary youth who is not afraid to stand up for what is right or to reach out to youth who are struggling socially, academically or at any other kind of disadvantage," she said. 

Upon being nominated for the command-level competition, Matt completed a lengthy entry form. "This one looks at home life, moral ethics and school," he said. 

In addition, Matt was required to answer two essay questions: what does the Boys and Girls Club of America mean to you? And, what do you think of America's education system? 

As part of the award, Matt was also invited to attend a week-long leadership seminar at the General H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Center in North Carolina. 

While there, the students experienced public speaking and teamwork challenges, and Matt said he is taking the opportunity to network with his fellow attendees. "I made tons of connections," he said. "Five or six of my 10-man team, we've sent multiple e-mails." 

Matt is about to start his first year at Oklahoma State University where he will major in bio chemistry and molecular biology. 

Matt grew up with the Air Force - his father served 25 years as a pilot. And while at the university, Matt will also participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

"As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to either be a pilot or a flight doctor in the Air Force," he said. 

Boys and Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.8 million young people, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.