Tinker Youth Programs name Teen Youth of the Year Published April 16, 2009 By 72nd Force Support Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Kenneth Roebuck is a true example of an extraordinary young man. At age 16, he was selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Oklahoma Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation. As the Youth of the Year for Tinker Youth Programs, Kenneth is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded more than 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader's Digest Foundation. Kenneth, better known as "KJ" at the Tinker Youth Center, is a sophomore at Midwest City High School. He is a member of the sophomore boys basketball team and was voted team captain by his fellow teammates. KJ has been a member of the Tinker Youth Center for the past six years and a very active member in the Keystone Club for the past three years. KJ has volunteered more than 150 hours to community service projects offered by the Youth Center and various church groups. Some of those projects include Operation Paintbrush, chaperoning dances, community food drives and bingo night for the elderly. KJ was recognized as one of eight finalists for Oklahoma Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs of America at a banquet at the Governor's Mansion on March 24. He participated in Legislative Day on March 25 by meeting with the club's local State Representative, Charlie Joyner. He was recognized along with the other finalists in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate during this visit to the capitol. KJ is an outstanding teenager and a wonderful representative for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Tinker Youth Programs.