Maxwell-Gunter youth wins AETC Youth of the Year Published May 28, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Kaylee Burlingame's commitment to the community, wherever her community may be, has propelled her into the spotlight as the winner of the 2010 AETC Youth of the Year award. She and other major command Youth of the Year winners from across the nation and globe will compete in Washington, D.C., in late June for the Air Force Youth of the Year award. The award program is conducted in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year Program to recognize teens for outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and the Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as how they overcome obstacles and personal challenges. Robert Richert, director of Youth Programs at the Gunter Youth Center, coordinated Ms. Burlingame's award nomination. "Over the past three years, she has done an outstanding job as a teen leader and has provided support to our youth programs in many ways," he noted in the award nomination. Ms. Burlingame, 17, served in her community in several ways in the past three years, including serving as president of the Keystone Club's Gunter Phantoms and vice president of Montgomery County's Regional 4-H Council. Events organized under her watch include World Wide Day of Play, Gunter Annex Fall Festival's Haunted Room and Valentines for Vets. She organized Treats for Troops, cooking fudge, Rice Krispies treats and cookies from scratch and delivering them to Airmen assigned to the base during the holidays. She also coordinated with the youth center staff to establish monthly outings called Teen Unity Night. She also helped prepare care packages for deployed soldiers and veterans in the local VA hospital. "I have to say that my favorite activities are the semi-annual festivals we set up for our community," Ms. Burlingame said. "I also enjoy going to see the veterans that are hospitalized. They seem so happy to see us, and it brightens my day." She also organized the 4-H Centennial Celebration, greeting and welcoming guests and coordinating photo opportunities. Through 4-H, she conducted food drives for the local food bank and clothing drives for the Salvation Army. Ms. Burlingame noted that the volunteer projects helped her adjust to her surroundings. "I enjoy helping people and being involved in the community," said Ms. Burlingame, of Knoxville, Tenn. "The youth center staff made me feel welcome when we moved here, and they have always encouraged me to participate in various activities." "I am very grateful to have the youth center resources and support," said Ms. Burlingame. "I feel like I'm a part of something that helps others and I'm glad to be able to make their lives better." By participating in a smorgasbord of activities, Ms. Burlingame learned to stay organized. "I try my hardest to stay on track by using schedules," she said. "They keep everything structured and in perspective." While up to her elbows in volunteer work, she excels scholastically in spite of frequent moves. A homeschooled student enrolled in Keystone National High School, an accredited online school, she currently maintains a 3.7 cumulative grade point average while taking challenging college-preparatory classes. In recognition of her scholarship she was selected for membership in The National Society of High School Scholars in February. She also has her sights set on the future, and is applying to the Air Force Academy, where she hopes to major in English and minor in Japanese. "My long-term goal is to become a lawyer and interpreter for the military and eventually open my own firm," she said. Ms. Burlingame inspires her parents, Maj. Joseph and Kristi Cox, and her siblings, Collin Burlingame, 15, Leah Cox, 7, and Toni Cox, 6. "We are so proud of Kaylee," said Ms. Cox. "It's good to see her recognized for her perseverance and hard work. Kaylee is not only a good role model for her younger siblings, she's also a good role model for her peers."