Tyndall takes home Florida Youth of the Year

Published May 5, 2014
By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A Tyndall teenager received the Florida Military Youth of the Year For the second year in a row.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America presented Stephanie Boling, daughter of Master Sgt. Bruce Boling, 325th Operations Support Squadron weather operations flight chief, with the honor April 27 in Orlando, Fla.

Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive.

The honor is a reflection of sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community, according to Boys and Girls Clubs of America officials.

The home schooled senior is now the new teenager representative for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Florida. Tupperware Brands Corps, the recognition program's national sponsor, donated $1,000 towards college. She now competes for the title of Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands. The regional level is in Atlanta, Ga. June 18 to 22.

"As the new Youth of the Year for Tyndall, Stephanie is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys and Girls Clubs of America for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community," said Lora Snyder, Tyndall Youth Activity Center Youth of the Year advisor and program assistant. "If she wins at regionals, she will advance with four other regional winners to Washington, D.C., in September, to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year."

The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet the President of the United States at the White House.

"Stephanie deserves a chance to brag about herself a bit," said Snyder. "She is a well-rounded young lady who is always willing to help and takes care of others despite what may be going on in her own life. I know she will go far in life and in this competition."

The Bolings have been stationed at Tyndall for three years.

"We've been stationed at six different bases," said Stephanie Boling. "I attended events at each of those bases, but I didn't start volunteer work until we were stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas. I started my involvement with the Club, which is just like the Tyndall Youth Center."

She became involved with the Tyndall Youth Center almost immediately after her family became stationed here.

"I got involved here because I loved volunteering at the youth center at our previous base," said Stephanie Boling. "I fell in love with the kids, and I enjoy having that special relationship with the staff. I am currently in the Youth Employment Skills program, Power Hour, Kids Nite Out! and Keystone Club. Kids Nite Out! is probably my favorite kid-wise. I get to play with kids, do crafts and have a fun time with them."

Boling's other top favorite activity is Keystone Club.

"I love being in the Keystone Club, because I get to help out the community as well as make friends," Stephanie Boling added. "We get to plan events such as the Teen Night Out, lock-ins and even go on trips. There are so many opportunities given through Keystone, and I would recommend every teen to join."

Boling's advice for the kids or teenagers who want to get involved with the Youth Center is do not wait. There are so many opportunities for every age group, she said.

Her parents are extremely proud of her involvements and achievements.

"Debbie and I are extremely proud of her and thank the Lord for His blessing on this journey," said Master Sgt. Boling. "We know that she will continue to represent Tyndall well and are very excited to see her compete in Regional Youth of the Year Competitions in June."

Stephanie Boling aims to win.

"My goal is to win," said Stephanie Boling. "However, just being nominated for Youth of the Year is such a great achievement. I'm honored I get to represent Tyndall and the Boys and Girls Club of America."

Her goal beyond that is to graduate from college with a psychology degree and become a child psychologist.

Those looking for volunteer opportunities can contact the Tyndall Youth Activities Center at (850) 283-4366.