KMC student named European Youth of the Year

  • Published
  • By Liz Jacobson
  • USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Riansimone Harris, a Kaiserslautern High School senior and Vogelweh Teen Center member, was named the 2015 Military Youth of the Year for Europe.

The Youth of the Year competition is a Boys and Girls Club program that aims to celebrate exemplary high school students who embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

Harris will continue to Tokyo, Japan to compete for the Overseas Youth of the Year title on June 7th.

Throughout her high school career, Harris has maintained a 4.0+ GPA, with challenging advanced placement courses, was involved in four seasons of cross-country, track, and cheerleading, all while adhering to a pescetarian diet, many school organizations with leadership positions, and remained an active Club member through her work in different Teen Center programs, including Keystone.

Harris plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University with a major in Sociology-Criminal Justice.

"I chose to study Sociology and Criminal Justice because it is something that interests me. I want to be able to help people and families who have been through tough situations. Bringing justice to families as an FBI agent is my dream job," said Harris.

Harris gained recognition for her dedication to the community and her large involvement with the Club, with which she has over 145 volunteer hours for this year.

"Being Youth of the Year gives me an opportunity to mentor other youth and encourage them to get involved with their teen centers so that they can benefit from all of the programs that they offer, just as I did," said Harris.

Harris, thanks to a Club advisor, found her passion for music.

"I use music as a getaway source to take my mind off of things. I love singing and I also play the guitar, even though I am not the best at it. Music is a fun outlet."

Harris was given the opportunity to speak candidly with Gen. Tom Jones, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa vice commander, about many aspects concerning teenagers and the Youth of the Year competition, including her stance on internet safety. Her views aligned with USAFE-AFAFRICA's Internet Crimes Against Children campaign.

"Online safety is very important because you never know who is out there. Not everyone in the cyber world has good intentions. It is important to guard yourself from online predators and make sure you are being safe online. Everyone should make smart decisions," said Harris.

"Becoming the National Youth of the Year will expand my horizons beyond measures. I will be able to share, encourage, and lead other teens and help them realize their purpose in life. I would love to share my story and my brand with youth all over the world," said Harris.