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‘Storm’ is Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  "He is a leader of men, committed to family and friends. He is a positive role model for his peers and younger students. He gives unselfishly of himself for the betterment of others. He has drive and dedication with boundless potential and determination."

These strong words are how peers, friends and family view Christian "Storm" Smith, son of Lee and Master Sgt. Scotti Smith, 9th Air Force, who is the winner of Shaw's Youth of the Year Award from the Boys and Girls Club.

The award is given to the top youth who demonstrated the most self improvement and service to others. It reviews the overall highlights of an individual to include service to club, education, community service, character and life goals.

To compete for the award, Storm's family and friends needed to write recommendations describing his personality, characteristics, community involvement, academics and examples of his unselfish behavior.

"There is nobody more deserving of this award than Storm," said Deborah MacQueen, Shaw youth programs director. "Storm's influence on peers gave them the tools they needed to realize that being popular and 'cool' can be done without attempting addictive behaviors such as alcohol and drugs."

He ensures that all youth have the same opportunity he had through teaching character and leadership, education and career, health and life skills, arts, informal sports and recreation as well as after-school care, she said.

Storm is an active leader in school as well as a positive role model for his peers and younger students, said Denise Campbell, Thomas Sumter Academy director of guidance. Each morning he begins the school day with the morning "radio" show because he is the voice of the "Generals," the school mascot. He also serves as the student director of many drama performances as well as the lead role in many theatrical performances at school and the Sumter Little Theatre. All of this while taking a rigorous course load and maintaining a 3.64 grade point average.

"At home, Storm is responsible for many things especially during the past three or four years," Sergeant Smith said. "I am deployed frequently to overseas locations. Currently I am on a remote tour in Korea and as such Storm has become the man of the house in my absence. He has grown to be independent, self-reliant and responsible."

"I have always liked helping people," Storm said. "It makes me feel like I have accomplished something and it gives me a good feeling inside."

Storm is competing for the state-level Youth of the Year from April 30 through May 2 in Columbia S.C.

If Storm wins the state-level competition, he will earn a scholarship towards future education.

Storm has already earned a $1,000 scholarship for winning the Shaw's Youth of the Year award as well as a $5,000 South Carolina Life scholarship for his academic achievement and community involvement.

When asked about future goals and education, Storm said he plans to attend Johnson Wales University in Charlotte, N.C., and study the arts in culinary and theater.

"I have always had a passion for cooking as well as drama and theater," Storm said. "I don't know which one I will study, maybe both."

If Storm wins the title of South Carolina's Youth of the Year, he will go on to compete in nationals.

"Storms interactions with peers and staff are admired by all and it has been a privilege and honor to have such a fine upstanding young man be part of the Shaw youth programs," Mrs. MacQueen said.