ACC names Youth of the Year

  • Published
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --   Air Combat Command officials recently named a teen from Whiteman AFB, Mo., the commands 2004 Youth of the Year.

Eighteen-year-old Joshua Bartholomew, son of Christine and Major Bruce Bartholomew, commander of the 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron , earned the honor for his school, base and community involvement.

He attributes much of his success to his involvement with the base youth center. As part of the Youth Employment Skills program through the Teen Center, Joshua volunteered at the base library assisting with all the summer reading clubs.

Mr. Bartholomew got involved with Whiteman's center in 2003. He established a 4-H program, volunteered as youth sports scorekeeper and referee, set up photography and computer programs, and worked on community projects, including a vacation Bible school, providing childcare for squadron parents, coordinating the collection of more 2200 books as part of his Eagle Scout project, and organizing youth to bake for a cookie drive.

The teen center has been a second home and because of it I am a better person and can continue to set an example for others, he said.

As the commands Youth of the Year, Mr. Bartholomew will receive a $1,500 scholarship. After graduating from high school in 2004, he plans to attend the University of North Dakota, where hed like to major in biology/pre-health sciences. Ultimately, he said hed like to work as a doctor in the field of pediatric oncology.

The Youth of the Year program is conducted by base youth centers in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year program. Nominees submit a written package and participate in a video teleconference for their oral presentation competition.