Minot dependent wins state award

Published April 28, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Keith Ballard
5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A Minot AFB dependent won a state level award for the Boys and Girls Club of America during a ceremony held at the David C. Jones Youth Center here April 10.

The winner for the annual Youth of the Year competition was Tara Evans, daughter of Master Sgt. Paul Evans, currently stationed at Kunsan AB, Korea, and Michelle Evans, David C. Jones Youth Center school age programs automation clerk.

"I was surprised," Tara said. "I actually did not think I was going to win."

"I thought it was fantastic," said Sergeant Evans. "When they called her name, it was a really nice surprise."

Tara's mother shared similar feelings.

"I was ecstatic," said Mrs. Evans. "I am very proud of her."

This year's state level competition had youths from three North Dakota clubs in attendance. The participating clubs were from Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the three Affiliated Tribes in New Town.

Each contestant had to provide a packet of information including multiple essays on various topics. Included in these packets are letters of reference from teachers and friends, certificates of achievement, newspaper articles involving the youth, and other media highlighting their accomplishments.

Each packet is reviewed by a panel of judges. The contestants then give a three minute speech and are interviewed individually by the judges. The overall winner is then selected based on how well they did in each of the three events.

"We are proud of Tara and her accomplishments," said Ronda Knutson, director of the David C. Jones Youth Center. "She is a hard worker, a great role model and very dedicated to being successful no matter the task, job or situation. It has been a privilege to have her here at Minot AFB."

The state winners are now eligible to compete in one of five regional competitions as selected by BGCA officials. The regional winners then compete at the national level with an overall winner being chosen. The prize for winning the national level competition totals $26,000 in scholarship money.

Tara's package is now being reviewed for the regional level competition held in Chicago, Ill. Only six packages will be chosen from all applicants. If selected, Tara will be competing for an additional $10,000 scholarship and a chance to go to Washington, D.C., in September.