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Team Scott member named Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Mascoutah High School sophomore Amber Baker is the Youth of the Year at Scott. 

She was nominated by the Youth Center, which is part of the Boys and Girls Club of America. 

"Anything we do, she's always there," said Debbie Steward, Youth Center teen director. "She's very involved and eager. She also shows great leadership and commitment." 

Sixteen-year-old Amber has been a volunteer at the Youth Center for six years and volunteers for all their functions. She is also part of the Youth Center's Youth Employment Skills, or YES, which allows teenagers to work within the 375th Force Support Squadron. 

Her other volunteer activities include Kids Klub, a monthly event held at the Scott Club, and Keystone Club, a community service club. Amber has held the positions of president and vice-president since she became a member. 

At school, Amber participates in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and she throws shot-put and discus on the track and field team. 

She is the daughter of Master Sgt. Andrew Baker, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. 

Amber said, "I think they see that I am honest and hardworking and I am a person with a good head on my shoulders and a future ahead of me," 

After being selected for the Youth of the Year, Amber went to Springfield, Ill., to compete statewide. Although she did not win, she used her selection as a chance to enlighten her audience about the military. 

"I gave a speech on being a military child and explained how it was the opposite of the common perception," Amber said. "I was never underprivileged, and we always had an adequate income and food." 

After hearing other nominee's stories of homelessness and family tragedy, she was surprised that she was nominated, but she was glad that she could put a light on what military life is like. 

"I know moving to new places is hard and so is making new friends, but it has let me experience new things," said Amber, who has moved more times than she can count. "I now understand other people's lives and that it's not that bad to move. I also love Japanese food, especially sushi." 

Through her volunteer efforts, Amber earned a $1,000 scholarship for accruing 250 hours of service. 

In her spare time, Amber likes to swim, ride her bike, read, draw and work with her hands on things like cars, clay and anything that is artistic.
In the future she would like to become a veterinarian.