FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 3, 2012) -- Jaron McKinnon is a determined young man.
For a second consecutive year, the Meade High School senior has earned the title of Fort Meade's Youth of the Year. McKinnon was recognized Saturday at the Family Fun Fair for his accomplishment.
"I'm excited, I'm extremely ecstatic," the 18-year-old said.
The Fort Meade honor is the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's local contest for its National Youth of the Year competition.
Fort Meade's Child, Youth and School Services is a longtime affiliate of the BGCA. McKinnon is a member through his activities at the Teen Center.
"Jaron is an exceptional young man," said Francisco Jamison, CYSS youth administrator. "He is an excellent student, a first-rate poet and a wonderful role model for all youths and teens in our community."
McKinnon, who competed against another Fort Meade teen for the local honor, was selected by Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein and other garrison leaders.
McKinnon, who resides in Patriot Ridge with his parents, Nikole and Staff Sgt. John Daniel McKinnon, has been active in BGCA and the Teen Center for three years. He is the president of the center's Keystone Club, a community service club, and tutors teens at the center. He also is a member of the center's technology and music clubs.
A poet, McKinnon organizes the center's monthly Poetry Jam, one of its most popular youth activities, said Kallie James-Wintjen, assistant director of the Teen Center who submitted an essay about him for the award. McKinnon also is president of the poetry club at Meade High School and a member of its drama and Socratic clubs.
"It's awesome," said James-Wintjen of McKinnon's selection. "It's a big honor for both Jaron and us. He is one of our family. We are proud of him. He deserves it."
To be selected, McKinnon had to write two essays -- one on what the BGCA means to him and another on the importance of a post-high school education.
"I believe that a post-high school education is important to me because it may increase my chances of making a difference in the lives of others," McKinnon wrote in his essay. "I want to help people see that if we all incorporate our personal truth and commit to change, we can alter history."
McKinnon also had to ask several adult mentors and his peers to write an essay about his commitment to his home and family, community, school and the Teen Center, as well as the strength of his moral character and his life goals.
The eldest of three, McKinnon plans to attend DePaul University in Chicago to major in psychology and journalism. He hopes to work as a radio disc jockey and write a book.
"Staying focused and being involved in the community can culminate in achievement," he said.
McKinnon is confident that he has a good chance of being named Maryland Youth of the Year when he competes later this month against fellow members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
"I feel I will fare well," the teen said. "I feel that I am focused and willing to represent the Fort Meade Boys and Girls Clubs to the fullest. I will do my best to express all I have learned at the Teen Center and at school, and that will help me to win."
If McKinnon wins the state title, he will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Tupperware Brands Corporation. He will then compete for the title of the Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware.
In September, five regional winners will compete for the national title in Washington, D.C. The national winner will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation, a private nonprofit organization. The winner also will have the opportunity to meet with the president at the White House.
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