HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A sophomore at Bedford High School is this year’s Hanscom Youth of the Year and will now compete for 2019 National Military Youth of the Year.
Zack Fernandez has been a member of the 66th Force Support Squadron Youth Center since 2013.
“This year’s Youth of the Year is a person we rely on with Keystone Club,” said Justin Oliver, the teen coordinator for Youth Programs. “Zach is the type of person who will show up first and leave last.”
The Keystone Club is a teen leadership group for ages 13 to 18. The club focuses on four areas: academic success, career preparation, community service and engaging teens. With the guidance of Oliver, members aim to have a positive impact on other members, the club and community.
“He’s always helping people and volunteering whenever needed,” Oliver said.
The Military Youth of the Year honor is a component of the Boys and Girls Club of America National Youth of the Year program. It recognizes a Youth Center member on a military installation who has overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments.
In his essay for the award, Fernandez, who is dyslexic, wrote about overcoming personal challenges.
“Once I came to Hanscom AFB and found teachers and staff who challenged me to see outside of my struggles and identified my potential, I was able to grow,” he wrote. “In doing so, I found my true ambition in service to others.”
He also credited the Torch Club, for preteens, and Keystone Club in helping him find his purpose.
“I made a commitment to the community through service projects and initiatives to help others,” he wrote.
The teen has volunteered with Children’s Hospital in Boston, Toys for Tots and at the Youth Center.
Fernandez encourages others to make a “positive change” in their own community.
“We must look within ourselves to find the greater good and spread it to others,” he said.
Fernandez serves as treasurer for the Keystone Club.
Hanscom’s Youth of the Year will go on to compete at the state level next month against other military nominees.
Previous Hanscom winners include Cailey Epperson, Patrick Baker, Caitlin Epperson and Brenna Gonsalves.
The Hanscom Youth Center offers a wide variety of after-school programs for children 9 to 18 years old.
“Hanscom children are provided with opportunities to develop their physical, social, emotional and cognitive abilities through achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship and recognition,” said Colleen Davis, Youth Center program director.
The Youth Center is always looking for other youths of high merit who are outstanding members in their school and throughout the community to nominate as Youth of the Year. For further information, call the Youth Center at 781-377-6043.