Whiteman teen wins Youth of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 442nd FW/PA
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Annelise Overturf, a 15-year-old freshman at Knob Noster High School, Knob Noster Mo., and daughter of Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander, was named 2012  Whiteman Youth of the Year, April 27, here.

In recognition of her service to the Bombers Keystone Club, family involvement, academic achievement, moral character, life goals, and public-speaking skills, Overturf will receive a $300 college scholarship.

The BKC here is a leadership organization through Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). YoY winners go on to compete in state and national competition, and Overturf will compete against other bases in Air Force Global Strike Command to potentially become AFGSC YoY in June in Washington, D.C.

Kimberly O'Brien, adult advisor of BKC and Whiteman youth programs teen coordinator, nominated Overturf for her involvement and leadership in many things such as community service, cheerleading, volunteering at drama club and for being ranked first in her class with a 4.18 grade point average. 

"I'm so honored to have been chosen for this scholarship," Overturf said. "Participating in the community, keeping up with my studies and being involved in my school all helped me to be a contender. I keep up with these things on a regular basis, because I enjoy being involved and it makes me feel proud to know I am serving the community. I'm thrilled my dedication to be a good citizen was recognized by Whiteman Teen Programs."

While Overturf has many goals, her family remains her priority.

"I try to make personal time for everyone in my family, whether it's watching football with my dad, fussing over "The Bachelor" with my mom, Skyping my sister Maddie who's in college, or walking my dog Sammy - staying connected with my family has always been important to me," she said. "At the end of the day, family is always there for you."

After high school, Overturf says she hopes to attend the University of British Columbia to study ecotourism.