Eielson teenager named Alaska Military Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Ben Eielson High School student MiKaila Alexander was recently named Alaska Military Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of America for outstanding leadership and service to her community.

The teen, daughter of retired Senior Master Sgt. Kevin B. Alexander, the 354th Force Support Squadron military support section chief and retired Master Sgt. Lisa Alexander, is an active member of the Eielson Youth Center, served as president of the 49 Below Keystone Club, was a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet and currently serves as a mentor in the Ignition Mentor program.

"I saw a lot of leadership potential in MiKaila when I first met her and I really wanted to foster that in her," said Stephanie Campiglia, the 354th Force Support Squadron Youth Center director. "She has blossomed into a wonderful mentor and role model for the younger kids, so this is very special. We are very proud of her accomplishment."

As Alaska's Military Youth of the Year, MiKaila earned a scholarship she can put toward her college education.

"I'm going to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks and I want to major in psychology to become a clinical child psychologist," Mikaila explained. "It's truly an honor to be named youth of the year and to represent Eielson youth programs."

Eligible students were required to submit a package consisting of four essays and several recommendation letters. They also had to give a three-minute speech on a topic they are passionate about.

"I gave my speech on racial conflict because I have experienced it in my life," said MiKaila. "I'm passionate about helping kids learn that we are all human and we can live in harmony."

MiKaila will compete for the regional title in July. If she wins at the regional competition, she has a chance to compete nationally and go to Washington, D.C.

"The youth program has given me many opportunities to succeed that I wouldn't normally have," MiKaila said. "With the support of my mentors and fellow youth center members, I've been able to accomplish great things and meet some goals, like becoming the military youth of the year in Alaska. I am forever grateful and I'm really excited to see what the future holds."