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Travis teen wins state honor

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A Travis teen is recognized as the 2014 Boys & Girls Club of America Military Youth of the Year for the state of California.

Elizabeth Hubbard, daughter of retired Master Sgt. Alan Hubbard, competed against nine other representatives from military installations across the state to be awarded this prestigious honor.

According to the Boys & Girls Club of America YOY website, the qualifications to be chosen as YOY are the ability to articulately speak in public, show poise when interacting with strangers, show strong people skills, display a model of good character at all times and maintain excellent grades and a high level of academic achievement throughout the year.

"This is truly a fantastic honor that has opened many doors for me," Hubbard said. "I've had the opportunity to meet other amazing teens that have inspired me with their dedication and devotion to their environment and community."

One of the doors opened to the 17-year-old Vanden High School senior is a scholarship offer to Harvard University where she'll be attending college in the fall. She is set to graduate in the coming weeks as valedictorian of her high school class with a 4.7 grade point average after taking four advanced placement classes her senior year.

Academics, even though important, weren't the only considerations for the title of California Military YOY. Community involvement play a big role as it shows selflessness in helping others. 

During the past year, Hubbard has volunteered 560 hours to assist different organizations throughout her community both on and off base.

"This young woman is one of the most dedicated and inspiring people I've ever come across while working with youth," said Susan Brown, 60th Force Support Squadron teen coordinator. "She has demonstrated superior research skills during her two-year internship at the clinical investigations facility at (David Grant Medical Center). Such was her success, she was acknowledged for her contributions towards the research project in a recent Air Force publication."

One of the most challenging aspects of this competition for Hubbard was addressing a fear that many people have a hard time overcoming - public speaking.

"I was initially terrified to speak in front of a large audience," Hubbard said. "But this program helped me overcome my adversities and learn to adapt to whatever situation I'm faced with."

Hubbard's next step will be to represent Travis as the California representative for the Military YOY and compete at the Pacific Regional Military YOY competition in San Diego, California this August.