FORT RILEY, Kan. - The Fort Riley Middle School Teen Center recognized Chanel Frazier as the 2009 Youth of the Year. The teen center is an affiliate member of the Boys and Girls Club, which has hosted the annual YOY competition for more than 60 years.

Frazier, along with eight other students, was asked to run for the title at the teen center. Those who were asked to apply had to write an essay stating why they would be a good YOY candidate.

Once they turned in their essays, they went in front of a three-person panel, which decided who would be going to the state level. The panel consisted of two outside members and the director of the teen center.

Frazier was chosen as the 2009 representative to go to the state competition March 10-11.

At the state competition Frazier memorized a five-minute speech that she recited in front of a panel of judges March 10 in Topeka. The topic of the speech was how the teen center had personally impacted her life.

"I have been told many times by my parents that people pay attention to your behavior and actions even if you don't realize it's happening," Frazier said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of this contest. It's nice to know good character doesn't go unnoticed. I thank my parents for instilling good core values in me that carry into all phases of who I am and who I aspire to be."

While in Topeka, Frazier was able to go on a tour of the capitol building, and have breakfast with the leader of the house, where the winner was announced. Although Frazier was not the winner of the state-level competition, she was recognized for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

The winner of the state competition won a $1,000 scholarship from Reader's Digest Foundation and the chance to compete for the Southwest Region Youth of the Year title. The region winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and the chance to compete with four other regional winners in Washington D.C., where they will compete for the National Youth of the Year title. The National Youth of the Year winner will receive a $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by the president in an Oval Office ceremony.