Fairchild teen named semi-finalist in national contest and Teen of the Year

Published March 22, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Connie Bias
92nd ARW Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- When Michael Thibodeau writes a book report, the Library of Congress sits up and takes notice.

At least that's what happened when Michael and two other Fairchild teens, Chris Penchoen and PJ Slater, were named semi-finalists in the 2006-2007 Letters about Literature contest.

The annual contest "encourages young readers around the nation to write letters to their favorite authors," said Sherry Hokanson, library director and Letters about Literature judge. The letters are submitted to the Center for the Book in Washington D.C., a facet of the Library of Congress, where a panel selects semi-finalists.

Those semi-finalist letters are sent back to the originating state, where state-level judges review them and select championship letters to go back to the Center for the Book for finalist judging.

More than 2,000 Washington students submitted letters in three age categories, which was "very exciting, especially for me as a librarian," said Ms. Hokanson. Of the 299 submissions from the grade 9-12 category, Michael took one of 57 semi-finalist honors with his letter to author Patricia Wrede about her book and series Dealing with Dragons.

"The book really caught my imagination," said Michael. "I found myself wondering what things would be like in a world like the one described. Her writing was very creative and descriptive."

In fact, one of the main points of Michael's letter was Ms. Wrede's creativity, which he told her "has inspired me deeply. I hope that you will continue to write stories that will grab people's attention."

In addition to her inviting writing style, Michael also took a very personal message from Ms. Wrede's book, which portrayed characters having to make moral, upright decisions in the face of great adversity. Michael describes himself as someone who used to "change my characteristics to impress (other) people," and he said that the characters in Dealing with Dragons have helped him to realize he can "be just as strong" and stand his own ground, an ability he has started putting into action.

"In one case, there were some other kids smoking around the Teen Center, and I was able to tell them that it was wrong - they shouldn't be smoking there," he said. "I wouldn't have done that before."

That's a big leadership step for a high school senior who freely admits to a chameleon-personality challenge. His progress, though, has been widespread and affected all areas of his life. Michael also won the Teen Center's 2007 Youth of the Year award for his contributions in 2006.

"Every month we choose the Youth of the Month at the Teen Center," said Sandy Taylor, Teen Center coordinator. "Each of those teens can then submit a Youth of the Year package. Along with preparing a submission package, each applicant meets a panel of four judges."

She said that Michael's contributions in 2006 included an overhaul, with the help of other teens, of the Teen Center computer room and participation in youth service activities. Michael traveled to Olympia, Wash., Tuesday and Wednesday for the state-level Boys & Girls Club Teen of the Year competition, and he'll compete for the Air Mobility Command-level Teen of the Year Award.

And what does Michael have to say about his year of accomplishment and notice?
Not much, though he will say that he has invaluable, constant support from his family and Teen Center leaders.

"I couldn't be more proud of him and the effort he has put into his life," said Michael's father, Tech. Sgt. Gregg Thibodeau of the 92nd Maintenance Squadron. "I have full support for him and confidence in him."

Michael will carry that support and confidence through his graduation from Medical Lake High School this spring and enlistment into the Air Force this summer, where the young leader-in-the-making will undoubtedly cause another group of professionals to sit up and take notice.