For 25 years, the Boys and Girls Club has sponsored the Youth of the Year, encouraging young club members to represent their respective facilities on regional and national levels. Bringing ambitious youth from across the globe together to innovate, plan and hope for a better future. The event even reaches overseas to military installations in Europe and the Pacific. In doing so, they offer unique, and remarkable experiences for military kids living overseas.

In my personal hunt for scholarships and opportunities, this particular event stood out because of its government-funded travel granted to institutional winners. The program was also attractive in the sense that it would serve as presentational experience in business attire, memorization and public speaking. I was not disappointed. In fact, my experience expanded my personal ambitions in academics, service, and leadership.

My own participation in March 2026 for the title of Military Youth of the Year, on the European level, empowered me in crucial ways. It involved flying to Stuttgart, Germany, staying in a lovely hotel for three nights, and feasting on German cuisine. 19 youth competed (including digital participation from Bahrain’s candidate), with three finalists and one total winner.

The first day was introductory, involving youth center bowling, chicken wings and friendly chatter. There, we competed for handshakes and raced to introduce ourselves over the sound of 90s music, and bowling balls clattering into gutters. The event was open, welcoming and overall positive. As the night progressed, many took the opportunity to spend more time getting to know one another, heading for the on-base gym or commissary. As for myself, I headed to the hotel to prepare for the day to come.

The most stressful part of the event was barely grueling at all. The bus ride to the judging panel was filled with more friendly conversation and encouragement than anxiety. Arriving at yet another youth center, breakfast was provided, along with ping pong, foosball, and pool tables. All candidates were given an hour to relax, adjust our suits or outfits, and practice our speeches. As I played pool with the other candidates, I felt like I was hanging out with close friends, not competing for scholarship money. In fact, we were all treated as independently valuable leaders that were all worthy of recognition and awards. It was like we had already won.

Before the interviews began, each candidate was applauded and cheered for. When they returned from their interviews, everyone would again stop and congratulate the candidates. Everyone was given a medal reading: Youth of the Year. Everyone even gathered to call the Bahrain candidate, unavailable to fly out, to offer them courage and support for their own virtual interviews. Signs were made to cheer on each candidate individually. Each time we enthusiastically clapped for another set of candidates, I felt a profound sense of wholeness.

By the time my interview came up, I had already absorbed all the positive energy from the experience. I high fived my competitors and sincerely wished them the best of luck. Going another mile, I taught them a simple dance we could do together when we were finished. I virtually skipped into the judging room and barely shed a drop of sweat. I waltzed through my speech and breezed through my interview and left in laughter and smiles. The good vibes from the judges, the advisors and competitors made a memorable impression that boosted my performance like nothing else.

A lunch intermission followed the interviews, in which all us candidates sat together at the food court, laughing and chatting happily. Afterwards, we walked back to the judging panel to declare the three finalists. We sat on the couches, with only a hint of anxiety creeping in, as the finalists were declared. I wasn’t one of them.

I watched as the three rose from their seats and prepared for another round of interviews. As for myself, and the rest of the candidates, we were shuttled back to the hotel. As we drove back, I was surprised to find that I wasn’t angry, depressed or even disappointed. The connections cultivated by a friendly atmosphere completely erased my bitter emotions. I was more content that my friends had advanced over my disappointment in losing.

Later that night, every youth was celebrated at a formal dinner. All candidates were handed certificates and offered delicious meals. Everyone once more was treated as important. A past Military Youth of the Year told us directly, “Your journey is not over. It is just beginning.” The overall winner, Patrick, was showered in applause by every single candidate for his contributions to his youth center and community. We all unanimously agreed that Patrick was the best representation of all our ambitions. We knew he would be the best candidate for Europe. For this, we celebrated. Ice cream, live music and a prodigy fifth grade DJ lit up the night.

I wasn’t a finalist. I didn’t win money. But what I did receive was worth far more. I was absorbed in a positive community, engaged in fun events, and was encouraged to do great things. In these times, more youth need to experience programs such as this. Youth need positive environments, networking and cultural experiences. The Youth of the Year program is excellent at pushing youth advocacy and growth. We need more Youth of the Year. Not even because of its prize, but because of its advantages in pushing youth to grow and network. Indeed, the true scholarship was the friends we made along the way.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense. 

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