An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ARTICLE SEARCH

Fairchild teen is AMC Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Hard work, commitment and pride can get someone a long way in the world of successes. These qualities, along with many others that Michael Thibodeau possesses, have sent him on a journey of accomplishment through the Teen Center here.

Michael, a recent graduate of Medical Lake High School and devoted participant at the Teen Center, was recently recognized as the Air Mobility Command Youth of the Year.

"It feels awesome, and it's something that I never would have expected," said Michael. "My mom and dad told me they had a surprise and took me to the Deel (Community Center) where they told me.

"I was shocked," he said. "My dad was really, really proud of me, and so was my mom."

Michael also noted that his accomplishments and winning of this award were a way to show that he has great parents behind him.

Michael was chosen as a Youth of the Month in 2006. The monthly winners had the option to put together packets and interview in front of a panel of judges to become Fairchild's Youth of the Year, which Michael also won. The next step was to enter to represent Fairchild on the state level and command level.

"Michael really strived to be the youth of the year this time around," said Sandy Taylor, Teen Center coordinator. "At least since the five years that I've been here, we haven't had a winner at the command level."

The teen is an active member of Keystone, a community service club at the center, he helps plan and organize field trips, and he has helped with the Youth Employment Skills program where he was able to receive job experience with programming, planning and organizing events, according to Mrs. Taylor.

"Over the past couple of years, I have been really active at the Teen Center here," said Michael, as he has attended the center since his sophomore year in high school.

The award winners are chosen on overall and personal improvement, the ability to step away from the comfort zone, and the power to go above and beyond, according to Mrs. Taylor.

The monthly winners write short-essay answers to 12 questions regarding schoolwork, community, moral character, and home and family importance, among other topics.

As far as his influence at the center goes, Mrs. Taylor stated, "I think he is a very inspiring young man. He knows right from wrong and instills that in his peers. These days, it is easy to go with the flow of the crowd, but Michael stands up to that.

"He is very mature for his age," she added. "He's also very humble. He seemed surprised that he won, though he's a great young man and really deserves this honor."

Michael will have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Presidential Classroom Scholars Program where he will be able to interact with other youth of the year winners.