VIDEO – Fort Campbell’s Moore Busy On the Field and Off

Avaley Moore has enjoyed a busy start to the high school soccer season, which comes after a busier summer.

The Fort Campbell junior spent time in the nation’s capital earlier this month, participating in the National Military Youth of the Year competition, a component of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year program. It recognizes outstanding military-connected youth between the ages of 14-18, who are part of families serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, for their leadership, service, academic achievements, and commitment to their communities.

Avaley earned the Midwest Military Youth of the Year designation, which she carries with her for the next year.

Earlier this month, she was one of five people to attend the National Military Youth of the Year awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Stephen B. Simmons, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, explained the significance of the honor for those five DOD youth.

“These extraordinary young people from our military communities represent the best of us, and ultimately they represent the sum of our endeavors — the future,” Simmons said. “At the Department of Defense, our No. 1 priority is to ensure America’s military men and women are ready and able to fulfill our country’s national security missions. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America helps us fulfill that charge by supporting the more than 1.6 million children who are members of our military family.”

While Avaley didn’t win the title of National Military Youth of the Year, she did receive over $22,000 in scholarships.  Almost as important to her watch the chance to visit the Pentagon and meet with Army representatives.

Avaley returned from Washington, D.C., and immediately hit the field for the Fort Campbell girls’ soccer program, where she plays goalie. In addition to sports, she is extensively involved in her school community and in her community as a whole on the military installation.

Avaley discussed the honor and what it means to her in this YSE interview.

(Information for this story was gathered from the Department of Defense)