SINGAPORE – Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS) recognized its 2016 Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Youth of the Year recipient during an awards ceremony held at NRCS’ Terror Club, Nov. 17, 2015.
This year’s winner was 16-year-old Aaron J. Deguire, a high school student currently attending the Singapore American School. The installation BGCA Military Youth of the Year program is an annual program in which every Navy Child and Youth Program (CYP) selects a military youth of the year, who then goes on to participate at further levels of competition.
This year, NRCS CYP invited a panel of community leaders to judge interviews, a letter of reference, speeches, and application portfolios of candidates competing for the national title. For Deguire, being selected to represent NRCS is an opportunity for developing personal growth.
“I am happy to represent the youth of Navy Region Center Singapore,” Deguire said. “Traveling around the world allows me the opportunity to meet new people and gain a better perspective of who I am which I think will help prepare me for adulthood.”
In terms of the competition, Deguire will go on to compete at the state of level competition in Japan this year. State winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship and advance to regional competitions. Regional winners receive an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year competition for a chance at an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable up to $100,000 for four years.
According to Nina Delucchi, CYP Leader for NRCS, this program and event supports fostering strong leadership, good character and a commitment to service, academic excellence, and a healthy lifestyle.
Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is BGCA's premier recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family, academic success, strong moral character, life goals, and poise and public speaking ability.