The Young Marines, a national youth organization, has named six winners of one of its most prestigious awards - the “Division Young Marine of the Year.” The winners will vie for the title of “National Young Marine of the Year” at the Adult Leaders Conference in May.

The division winners are:

• Div. 1 – YM SgtMaj Mitchell Barstow, a member of the Natchaug River Young Marines in Danielson, Connecticut
• Div. 2 – YM SgtMaj Macie Ross, a member of the LCpl Caleb John Powers Young Marines in Fredericksburg, Virginia
• Div. 3 – YM SgtMaj Talla Aasved, a member of the Milton Lewis Young Marines in Gainesville, Florida
• Div. 4 – YM SgtMaj Abigail Waters, a member of the Mountain View Young Marines in Centennial, Colorado
• Div. 5 - YM SgtMaj Andrew Hamper, a member of the Ashtabula County Young Marines in Jefferson, Ohio
• Div. 6 – YM SgtMaj Megan Lynch, a member of the Southeast County Young Marines in Seal Beach, California

“Each division winner competed at the highest level, and each demonstrates the exemplary qualities of a Young Marine,” said Col William P. Davis (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. “Their communities, divisions, and fellow Young Marines should be proud of the accomplishments of one of their own.”

Each honoree is awarded a cash scholarship and will travel throughout the division to other units to lead, motivate, and serve as a role model. In addition, all six winners will escort WWII veterans to the islands of Guam and Iwo Jima for the annual Reunion of Honor.

The Young Marines organization is divided into six divisions across the United States. Each Division Young Marine of the Year must meet vigorous requirements, such as obtaining the rank of YM GySgt, graduating Advanced Leadership School at the Young Marines’ National Leadership Academy, high academic achievement in school, and maintaining high standards of physical fitness. From these six winners, one will be named the “National Young Marine of the Year” which will be announced on May 18, 2019, at the Adult Leaders’ Conference in Orlando, Florida.

About the Young Marines

The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c (3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight through the completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 270 units with 9,000 youth and 2,600 adult volunteers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Japan and affiliates in a host of other countries.

For more information, visit the official website at: https://www.YoungMarines.com.

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Media Contact: Andy Richardson
Ginny Richardson Public Relations
arichardson@gr-pr.com or 630-789-8899