Hanscom teen named base ‘Youth of the Year’

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A teen here has taken the first step in the National Military Youth of the Year competition following his selection as the base Youth of the Year for 2016.

Patrick Baker, 17, a senior at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica, Massachusetts, has been a member of the Hanscom Youth Center for more than six years.

“We are incredibly proud to have him represent Hanscom Air Force Base as the Military Youth of the Year,” said Jillian Wilbur, the Youth Center’s teen coordinator. “Patrick is a great role model for other youth to emulate at Hanscom.”

The Military Youth of the Year honor is a component of the Boys & Girls Club of America National Youth of the Year program. It recognizes a Youth Center member on a military installation who has demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments.

Among the achievements highlighted in his application, Baker is an active volunteer and “standout” student-athlete.

Notably, Baker and four others from Shawsheen Tech, dubbed the ‘fab-five,’ received a Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award from the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House last month. The group received the award for their volunteer efforts with the Shawsheen C.A.R.E.S. program that mentors younger children in Wilmington, Mass., on suicide and bullying.

In an essay titled “My Vision for America’s Youth,” Baker wrote about the topic of bullying.

“If I was Youth of the Year, I would make this my personal mission to support those who have been bullied,” he wrote. “It is my vision to have youth grow up with less pressure and be supportive and kind to everyone.”

This fall Baker will attend New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, to study outdoor education.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA's premier youth recognition program, the Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.

Baker will now advance through state and regional competitions.

He attributes his success to the many youth development programs he has participated in at the Youth Center.

“Since being a member, I’ve been involved in clubs such as Power Hour, Teen Tutors, Teen Council, Triple Play Sports and Passport to Manhood,” he said. “These programs have given me the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and maintain my academic success.”

For further information on the Youth of the Year program, contact the Youth Center at 781-225-6043.