Base teen named North Dakota’s Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America Published April 24, 2009 By 090424 GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Miranda Nedegaard, a three-year member of the Grand Forks AFB youth center, has been named Youth of the Year for the state of North Dakota by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In addition to winning this prestigious title, Miss Nedegaard will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation. She is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by BGCA for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a BGCA member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and BGCA, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Miss Nedegaard joined the base's Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service, in 2006. The club, with Miss Nedegaard as its vice president, recruited new members and participated in several volunteer projects for the Youth Employment Skills program. She is also heavily involved in the Money Matters Program, which teaches financial management through fun checking, savings and investment basics. Since joining the club, Miranda has swiftly moved through the ranks and was voted president. In addition to her involvement in many other programs associated with the youth center, Miss Nedegaard is an active volunteer with the base library, the 319th Medical Group and many fundraisers for base events. "She's volunteered for almost every program I have," said Lawrence Cannedy, base team coordinator. "She stays active, and is a very smart girl. I can't say enough about her; she's just really sharp." Although she is still open to future opportunities, Miranda, now in her sophomore year of high school, is interested in the medical field, but due to her love of writing and speech, journalism remains an option, as well. "Miranda and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people," said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA. "The Reader's Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947," said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director of the foundation. "For over 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Miranda, for their dedications to their families, club, community and their academic and career goals." "We are most appreciative to the Reader's Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members attain their goals," added Miss Spillett.