Killeen ISD is proud to announce that Ellison High School junior Victoria Klutse has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Texas Military Youth of the Year, an honor recognizing exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, character and community service. Klutse was selected from thousands of students across Texas.
“Ft. Hood Chaparral Youth Center is immensely proud of her accomplishments.” said Sheila Curtis, chief of Fort Hood Child and Youth Services. “Her speech was motivating as she represented our community with pride. Victoria embodies leadership, inspiration and hope for our future leaders. It is my desire that we rally around her as a community to encourage and lift her up as she advances to this next level.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program, established in 1947, is the organization’s premier recognition for teens who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic success, strong character and a commitment to service. The Military Youth of the Year distinction, introduced in 2013, specifically honors teens involved in BGCA-affiliated youth centers on military installations around the world. Participants complete a rigorous application process that includes essays, a recommendation letter and a formal speech.
Klutse first competed at the Military Youth of the Year Summit, where she was named a finalist, and later earned the title of Texas Military Youth of the Year.
“To me this recognition is not about the title or accolades-because what is it without impact?” Klutse said. “To me, being the state military youth of the year is about sharing my story about how I gained adaptability, resilience, and perseverance through what I have overcome so I can be the bridge for other teens. I plan to make an impact by proving that they too can overcome anything with the right village behind them, like the youth center.”
At school, Klutse is involved in AVID, sports medicine and student council. She also serves in leadership roles as president of both Keystone Club and SMART Girls at her Boys & Girls Club. Through her youth center and community initiatives, she has organized events such as a holiday card drive for health care patients and staff and collaborated with a team in Austin to raise more than $560,000. Her efforts have contributed to more than 300 hours of community service. She also mentors peers and younger Boys & Girls Club members.
Klutse plans to pursue a career in health care, with a focus on leadership and continued service to her community.
She will next compete for the Southwest Region Youth of the Year title in Dallas this May.