KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Bethany Chacon represented the Kirtland Youth Center and was named the 2020-21 National Military Youth of the Year, announced on Oct. 6, 2020.
To earn the award, Chacon competed at the National level against five other regional finalists in a virtual competition.
“I was selected as a finalist and sent to do the live show and another round of interviewing,” said Chacon.
Chacon said her favorite aspect of the competition in Las Cruces, N.M. was meeting and networking with the other finalists.
Chacon advanced through local, state, and regional levels and was awarded more than $30,000 in college scholarships from the program. She earned the titles of 2020 New Mexico Military Youth of the Year, 2020 Southwest Military Youth of the Year and 2020 National Military Youth of the Year.
Daughter of a retired U.S. Army colonel, Chacon has been involved in Youth Program’s since the third grade. She was actively engaged in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 4-H and Teen Programs at the Kirtland Air Force Base Youth Center.
“My program instilled resiliency in me, which helped me become a strong student,” said Chacon. “I am happy I can use that skill on a daily basis.”
Chacon started her college journey this fall as a freshman at New Mexico State University.
“It is an amazing journey to see a new future open up right in front of me,” said Chacon.
To read more about her first award visit: https://www.kirtland.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2212846/kirtland-teen-earns-title-of-nm-military-youth-of-the-year/