2019 Military Finalists
Christian A.
2019-20 Pacific Military Youth of the Year
Club/Organization: Joint Base Lewis-McChord CYS Services
College/University: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Career Goal: Engineer
“Understanding resilience taught me I can overcome every obstacle in life with the support of my faith, family and community. The staff and programs at Hillside Youth Center serve as a strong community support system for me and teens like me.”
Every young person, like Christian, deserves a safe, positive environment in which to learn and grow.
Before joining his BGCA-affiliated Youth Center, Christian struggled with self-esteem. That changed once he discovered the supportive staff and teens who encouraged him and taught him to be a leader.
As vice president of the Keystone Club teen leadership group, Christian led service projects giving back to the military community. He mentored other teens through the Passport to Manhood program and established a Cultural Diversity Club at his high school. Christian is a high school senior and plans to study engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
