Beuck Named NAS Sigonella Military Youth of the Year

By Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Sofia Beuck, a sophomore at Sigonella Middle/High School, was recently named the 2021 NAS Sigonella Military Youth of the Year.

The Military Youth of the Year is a Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) program created to recognize outstanding teens on U.S. military installations across the globe. Created in 2013, this award is part of the Youth of the Year Program, which serves teens in BGCA-affiliated programs throughout the United States.

Beuck will continue on to the European Regional Military Youth of the Year Competition. Six teens, including one national military youth winner, then advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration. One teen will be named the BGCA national spokesperson for the year.

As a member of the NAS Sigonella Teen Program, Beuck has assisted in the planning and execution of several activities, service projects and field trips. “The NAS Sigonella Teen Program has allowed me to make new friends, help my community, and gain experience in the workforce,” said Beuck. “My club helps myself and other youth bring our passions to life. I am now even more of a leader in my community because CYP (Children and Youth Program) staff have pushed me past my limits.”

One of Beuck’s passions is helping the homeless stray animals in and around the community. She created a car wash to raise awareness and funds for the Sigonella Animal Welfare Society to assist in vaccination costs and necessities.

Channette Ingram, CYP Teen Coordinator said, “Sofia Beuck is a kind, caring and joyful youth, who is a vital member of the NAS Sigonella Teen Program. Her commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring to her fellow teen program peers.”

In addition to her service projects, Beuck is a member of the JROTC and has worked as a Junior Staff member and a Recreational Aide.

Adam D’Amico, NAS Sigonella’s Children and Youth Program Director, said, “COVID has brought many challenges, including the closure of our youth complex. Even with that, Sofia has kept her spirits up and is always looking for the positive side in things. Her bubbly personality is one that her peers and the staff look for to brighten their day.”

Beuck also eagerly awaits the reopening of the Youth Complex. “I always look forward to anything happen at the Youth Complex,” she said. “I really hope that we can get back into the swing of things soon. I want to keep contributing to my community.”

Although being a child of military parents can be difficult, Beuck finds positives in the challenges. “One of the best parts of being a military child is being able to participate in my club. In addition, being a military child has allowed me to become very resilient, independent, and a problem-solver. I wouldn’t change the experience I’ve had so far for anything.”

Beuck also is eager to help other youth in the Sigonella community. “As the Local Military Youth of the Year, I want to help push other youth towards their passions and exceed their limits by being a service planner for youth in my community. I want to be a source where youth can let their ideas flow and help them plan their ideas in order to make them come to life. I grateful for the opportunity to be NAS Sigonella’s 2021 Military Youth of the Year.”