Dyess selects Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Briana Kolicius has been selected as the Dyess Youth Center's Youth of the Year here for her enthusiasm, leadership and participation in youth center activities.

According to the Boys and Girls Club of America, Youth of the Year is BGCA's premier recognition program for club members, promoting service to club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.

To be selected, Briana and other teens submitted an essay explaining why they would be the best candidate for the Youth of the Year. Essays often include their leadership roles in everyday life, accomplishments in academics and their impact on the youth center. Briana participated in several events to include BGCA day for kids, September 11th day of service, a donation drive for Global Samaritan and the Keystone National Project Hope for Homeless coat drive.

"Briana is a good role model for our youth because she has shown them the importance of participating in different activities and events at the youth center," said Joanne McDaniel, Dyess' Youth Center teen coordinator. "She displays her enthusiasm while she is here and encourages other youth to participate in activities, clubs and community service projects."

Briana was selected from nominees between the ages of 14-18, and will go on to participate at the state level.

State winners receive a $1,000 scholarship and are placed in the running to compete at the regional level with a chance to receive a $10,000 scholarship. From there, five regional level winners are chosen to compete at the national level and can be awarded up to $50,000 in scholarships. The national-level winner is then recognized as the BCGA Youth of the Year by the president of the United States.

This year, military and civilian children will be judged separately to ensure fairness.

"In the past, military children haven't had the best chances of being chosen against civilians," said Diane Areskog, Dyess' Youth Center director. "People outside of our lifestyle don't know what it's like to have your mom or dad deployed. Beginning this year, military youth will be judged solely against other military children to make it fairer for them."

"I want to be Youth of the Year because I like volunteering in my community and in the military community," Briana said. "As the Youth of the Year for Dyess, my goal is to help other kids get interested in community service projects like helping the homeless. I want to be a positive role model for other kids, especially at the youth center."