YOUTH OF THE YEAR SERVICE • CHARACTER • LEADERSHIP Congratulations to Jershika Maple! MILITARY YOUTH OF THE YEAR
J
ershika Maple has been named Military Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is set to receive a college scholarship and vie for a regional title this summer.
Military Youth of the Year 2012 Molly Landreth Photography
Selected among three outstanding military youth, Jershika Maple from JBLM has been named the Washington State Boys & Girls Clubs Military Youth of the Year. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As the new teen representative for all BGCA-affiliated youth programs in the state, she’ll receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation.
The gala dinner, attended by local Youth of the Year winners from across the state, is the culmination of months of hard work, community service and speech and essay preparation. The dinner is the finale of a two-day Youth of the Year event that started in Olympia at the Governor’s Mansion Wednesday, March 27. After meeting with Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, youth traveled to Seattle. At the lunch reception the next day at Bell Harbor, local winners competed and shared their personal stories among board, staff, community leaders, their Families and peers. “Getting nominated for Youth of the Year is such an honor, but winning state?! There are no words for how proud we are of Jershika and her state victory. She’s a fabulous example of a youth who is willing to give her time and soul to help others and improve the youth centers and life for our teens and younger children in and out of CYSS programs,” says Emmy Niemczyk, JBLM Teen Zone director.
“She’s ... willing to give her time and soul to help others and improve the youth centers and life for our teens and younger children.” — Emmy Niemczyk, Teen Zone director
Jershika is known for her bubbly personality, exceptional singing voice and willingness to help a friend. “Jershika Maple and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that BGCA-affiliated youth centers across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people to be great,” says Jim Clark, president and CEO, BGCA. In July, Jershika will compete against other BGCA military-affiliated state winners within the Pacific Region. If named Military Regional winner for the Pacific Region, she’ll be awarded an additional $10,000 college scholarship. She would then move on to the National Military Youth of the Year competition and will be one of six Military Regional winners to compete in Washington, D.C., in September.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington exist to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. It focuses on five core program areas: character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts and sports/fitness/recreation. For information about getting involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs at JBLM, call the Teen Zone at 253-967-4441 or McChord Youth Center at 253-982-2203.
ecialBrunch brunch at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sunday, May 12 to at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
ay with QR code
dults ges 4-12 r eat free!
io will be open depending on weather
n Lake Ave. Lewis North 253-964-2813
online: go.usa.gov/2tFh
$24.95 – Adults $14.95 – Ages 6-10 $23.95 – Seniors (62 & older) $5 – Ages 5 & younger Club members receive $2 discount from listed prices.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. 700 Barnes Blvd. McChord Field 253-982-5581/2795
Reservations required for both locations. JBLMmwr.com JBLMmwr.com
17