TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Jonathan Gorman, a seventeen-year-old out of Tinker AFB Youth Center, recently won the military youth national title and will compete at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year competition in New York City on Oct. 1.
Gorman, a Tinker Youth Center member, advanced through the Oklahoma and Southwest regional competitions before earning the national military title. More than 135,000 BCGA members participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events annually.
Gorman was one of five regional military finalists who competed for the National Military Youth of the Year title in Washington, D.C., Aug. 6. The finalists represented military youth centers from the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and Pacific regions.
“Jonathan is an amazing young adult with unlimited drive and potential,” said Col. Jason Ware, 72nd Mission Support Group commander in charge of the Tinker Youth Center. “It was evident that he was going places.”
The Youth of the Year competition evaluates participants on leadership, service, academics and character. Candidates must prepare a resume, letters of recommendation, essays and a speech.
This was Gorman’s second year competing. He won at the state level during his first attempt but did not advance beyond the regional competition. He returned this year and won at the state, Southwest regional and national military levels.
“I think me losing last year was actually kind of a gain moment,” Gorman said. “It made me grow into a better kid and a better teen. So now I can know how to inspire the other teens better.”
Gorman has participated in Tinker Youth Center programs including Keystone, Passport to Manhood, 4-H and Teen Council. He plans to visit other military youth centers and Native clubs to encourage more youth to participate in Youth of the Year.
Gorman is currently attending Rose State College for two years tuition-free before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where he will use his award money toward his remaining education. After he graduates, Gorman plans to return to the Tinker Youth Center and become a youth director.