JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Arianna Skinner, 15, from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, was selected as the 2016 National Military Youth of the Year.
Skinner, the Northeast Military Youth of the Year, was chosen among six finalists during a luncheon in Washington, D.C, September 9, 2016.
“Right now, I’m excited to be the advocate for military teens across the country and help them reach their max goals,” Skinner said.
Five youths representing the U.S. Air Force were selected in five of the six Regional Military Youth of the Year competitions that took place earlier this year.
“We celebrate these Youth of the Year for their extraordinary achievements and recognize the impact they have had in the military community,” said Jon Grammer, Director of Programs for the Air Force Services Activity.
Change is the constant for military youths, and Skinner has moved every four years – mostly overseas -- to a new Air Force installation. She always found a home at the Boys & Girls Club-affiliated Youth Center.
“My club taught me that a little bit of fear is NOT a sign of weakness,” Skinner said. “It is a tool that can be used to help me not to become too comfortable with my life as a military teen.”
For instance, when Skinner learned she was moving back to the United States, she was nervous about starting over once again. But when she walked into Club at JBMDL, she was greeted by a familiar face. The Club’s Chief Professional Officer was stationed in Tokyo the same time as Skinner’s family.
Skinner’s Club involvement has shaped her into a well-rounded student with strong leadership skills. She participates in programs such as Career Launch; Money Matters; Diplomas 2 Degrees; and the Air Force Teen Council.
“I am not afraid to give 100 percent as the ambassador for our military youth,” Skinner said.
As the military Youth of the Year, Skinner will receive a $20,000 scholarship and go on to represent the U.S. Air Force and the military in the National Youth of the Year competition.
After graduating from Northern Burlington High School in 2019, she aspires to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and hopes to become a fighter pilot or intelligence officer.