JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Air Force Youth of the Year regional winners RianSimone Harris and Andrew Brown are on their way to compete with military and civilian regional winners from across the country at YoY nationals. While competing for scholarships, training and leadership opportunities, the two will grow not only themselves, but also stand as a hope for their own and future generations.
A partnership program between the Air Force and the Boys & Girls Club of America and facilitated by Air Force Services Activity Youth Programs, the Youth of the Year program offers teens the chance to develop their leadership skills, interact and connect with peers of similar stature, and to shine as representatives of their family, base, state and region.
“I’m honored to have been chosen,” said Brown, U.S. Southeast regional winner. “The judges said they saw something in me over the other candidates, who are all already winners.”
The competition for each regional winner can be steep. Brown first had to win his base – Robins AFB, Georgia – then he competed against teens from all branches of the military within his state and the Southeast region.
Brown believes he was singled out for two primary qualities.
“They said they could see the passion that I had and that I was a good orator,” said Brown. “When I went to the Southeast competition, one of the judges pulled me aside and said he loved how I stayed myself.”
That commitment to being real and honest appeared to also have been a strong quality in Harris, the other regional winner.
Harris said her personality was one thing for which the judges credited to her selection. “I wasn’t giving book answers. I was just being myself.”
In addition to a strong sense of self, a keen ability to communicate stood out among both competitors.
“I want to be a voice for teens who don’t have the courage,” said Brown. “I want to bring the tools and opportunities back to them so they can go out and make a difference in society.”
Harris said her ability to communicate helped her desire to represent others.
“Whenever I represent all the overseas bases,” said Harris,” I feel like I have a voice to accomplish more and more.”
To be a regional winner has taken years of hard work from both of them. Installation competitors had to be a part of the program for a minimum of two years, have experience in multiple BGCA and Youth Programs and outshine their peers. That dedication is apparent when they talk about how they hope participation in programs like YoY will propel them toward their dreams.
“I want to be in sports medicine like a doctor or physical therapist,” said Brown. “I love helping people. I’d love to help athletes get back on the field better than they were before.”
Harris, who will be attending college in San Diego this fall, hopes to enter law enforcement.
“My dream job is to be a FBI agent,” said Harris, who credits the program for building her confidence in pursuit of her goals. “For me, the most valuable thing I’m learning is what other kids are getting from this program. It’s interesting to learn about other people’s experiences, struggles and successes.”
Brown, too, praises the program for its effect on his life and the potential to improve the lives of others. Brown and Harris recently attended the AF YoY Camp in San Antonio as winners for their individual Air Force bases, and plan to take away the same valuable lessons as many of the programs they’ve participated in since joining.
“This camp has inspired me to tell others about these programs,” said Brown. “There is a way you can go out and better yourself.”
Harris agreed.
“The (Youth Program) helped us all in different ways,” she said. “ It helped me come out of my shell and become a great leader and person. It will help me show other youth what this club and program have done for me.”