Spangdahlem youth awarded for efforts Published Sept. 15, 2008 By Senior Airman Clay Murray 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Servicemembers know that the three ingredients to a well-rounded Airman are competence at work, pursuit of higher-level education and community service. However, military individuals are not the only ones who take an interest in these areas. One of Spangdahlem Air Base's own has taken a full-fledged approach to community service and volunteering, although she has not signed the dotted line. Mary-Lynn Piper, a 2008 graduate of Bitburg High School, was named the Youth of the Year for Spangdahlem AB and U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and nabbed the European title which includes U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Europe. The Youth of the Year program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement and outstanding service to the community. Mary-Lynn was selected from seven candidates for outstanding service to Spangdahlem youth programs, the Eifel community, and for academic achievement, moral character and family values. By receiving this honor, Mary-Lynn is awarded a $3,000 scholarship for post-high school education. "The Youth of the Year package is difficult to fill out," said Master Sgt. Jim Piper, 52nd Security Forces Squadron first sergeant and Mary-Lynn's father. "It's more than nine pages and takes plenty of time. This pursuit of hers to help others has provided her with many opportunities. What it boils down to is the Youth Center is just a good place for opportunities for youth." She was recognized in May as one of the Angel Award recipients, and selected for the Youth Excellence Award for ages 14 and older. She was also awarded the Volunteer Leadership Award. Her hard work and efforts have earned her the Congressional Award Gold Medal and an invitation to the inauguration of the 44th president that she plans to attend. "Mary-Lynn has been an incredible role model for the younger youth enrolled in the program," said Susan Misener, Airman and Family Services flight chief. "Her values and character drew younger youth to her, and she in turn mentored and helped shape them." Mary-Lynn picked up the value of volunteering while involved in the Boys and Girls Club as a child while stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. She had just moved to the area from Germany, and her mother recently married her stepfather. "After my first event, I saw how happy I made other people," said Mary-Lynn. "That's something I never thought I'd be able to do." "My wife and I have been congratulated on having such a great daughter, but we wonder how much of that is due to us," Sergeant Piper said. "Since she was young, she has wanted to be helpful; from kindergarten when she helped her teachers clean all the way to college where she is now." Col. Russell L. Mack, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, presented her with the Air Force Youth of the Year 2008 plaque during a ceremony at the Bitburg Teen Center Aug. 18. Mary-Lynn also earned with the 2008 President's Education Award, and was selected for membership to the National Society of High School Scholars. She has also been awarded several scholarships for her contributions. "I've not only grown as a person myself, but through that I've been able to help a lot of people," said Mary-Lynn. "It turned out not only to be something I love doing, but it became a hobby; it became addicting. It became a lifestyle." "We had her involved in a scholarship speech pageant because she was shy, and from there she just ran with it," said Sergeant Piper. "It just became her passion to help others. For us, it was only a helping hand here and there along the way." Mary-Lynn now attends college in the U.S. at Northern Michigan University seeking a major in elementary education. "I have enjoyed watching Mary-Lynn over the last couple of years develop into a confident, strong young woman ready to face the world and begin a new chapter in her life," said Ms. Misener. (Staff Sgt. Lovely Nerius, American Forces Network, contributed to this article.)