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Team Shaw throws EGGstravaganza

Julie A. Lego, Youth of the Year recipient, poses for a photo with her family and 20th Force Support Squadron leadership on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019.

Julie A. Lego, Youth of the Year recipient, poses for a photo with her family and 20th Force Support Squadron leadership on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019. Lego will travel to compete for the state of South Carolina, if chosen for South Carolina, she will then continue to compete at Regionals and Nationals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny)

Team Shaw children pet a kangaroo from All American Petting Zoo at the EGGstravaganza on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019.

Team Shaw children pet a kangaroo from All American Petting Zoo at the EGGstravaganza on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019. Charles L. Bean, owner of All American Petting Zoo, has been bringing his animals to different events for 17 years, including events on Shaw. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st class Destani K. Matheny)

Team Shaw children pet a goat from the All American Petting Zoo at EGGstravaganza on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019.

Team Shaw children pet a goat from the All American Petting Zoo at EGGstravaganza on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019. The animals available at the petting zoo varied from rabbits to goats, ponies and a kangaroo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st class Destani K. Matheny)

A Team Shaw child picks up an egg during a children's’ Easter egg hunt on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019.

A Team Shaw child picks up an egg during a children's’ Easter egg hunt on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019. Each age group had the opportunity to find an Easter egg with a golden ticket inside it. Finding the golden ticket means the finder wins an Easter basket filled with prizes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st class Destani K. Matheny)

Deborah MacQueen, the 20th Force Support Squadron director of the Child and Youth Program throws Easter eggs in the air to disperse the eggs throughout the fenced in egg hunting area on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019.

Deborah MacQueen, the 20th Force Support Squadron director of the Child and Youth Program throws Easter eggs in the air to disperse the eggs throughout the fenced in egg hunting area on Shaw Air Force Base, SC, April 13, 2019. There were four age groups participating in the egg hunt at different times; 0-3 years old, 4-6 years old, 6-9 years old and 10 and up. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st class Destani K. Matheny)

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Force Support Squadron hosted an ‘EGGstravaganza’ event at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 13.

This event, which is part of the 20th FSS Month of the Military Child celebration, is designed for children of all ages, along with their parents and family members, to celebrate their resiliency.

Activities consisted of a train ride, petting zoo, carnival games and an egg hunt with more than 6,000 eggs.

Approximately 1,500 children and youths took off into a sea of colorful eggs searching for a golden ticket that could lead them to a basket full of wonderful gifts and candy donated by Hunt Southern Group, operators of Shaw AFB base housing.

After the activities, Maj. Darryl J. Hebert, 20th FSS commander, announced the 2019 Youth of the Year, Julie A. Lego.

Youth of the Year is a yearlong program for middle and high school teens to promote leadership skills and community involvement.

The Youth of the Year will travel from Shaw to Myrtle Beach competing to become the state of South Carolina representative. If chosen, the teen will continue to compete at the regional and national level.

“Volunteering makes me feel like I can do something that doesn't benefit myself, I get to help out a lot of people and doing that brings joy,” said Lego.

Lego said she regularly helps out with events on-and-off base, from dressing up in costumes to helping feed the homeless.

“We appreciate the active duty members who give us the opportunity to be a part of their child’s life as they endure the painful separations of their loved ones,” said Deborah MacQueen, 20th FSS Director of the Child and Youth Program. “These children and youth are brave and resilient, and we strive to build interpersonal connections by creating a positive atmosphere where they feel safe, loved, and connected.

“We have an amazing team of professionals who devote many hours in developing plans and activities that support and encourage our military children and youth to challenge themselves to be the best they can be,” she said.