RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
There are many things one can do to set themselves apart from their peers. For some, the drive to help others and to make a mark in the world comes naturally; such is the case for one Randolph teen.
Jeremy Wortham, son of Dr. Archie and Suzan Wortham, was selected as the Youth of the Year for Randolph Air Force Base for 2007 for his work within and outside of the Randolph community.
"Jeremy is an innovative self-starter, who rarely needs supervision," said Raymond Chase, youth center employee. "He's punctual, and typically exceeds expectations. He handles pressure well, and will voluntarily work overtime and take work home to meet a deadline, or accomplish a task."
Currently a junior at Judson High School, Jeremy spends much of his time outside of school volunteering in the local community. Some of his volunteer activities include Word of Life church youth group events, helping the homeless of San Antonio through the 'Church Under the Bridge' ministry and tutoring middle school students in math. He also spent his spring break and a week during his summer vacation in New Orleans helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. Jeremy was presented the President of the United States 'Gold' Award for his volunteerism.
Jeremy is also an active member of the youth center and as a member of the Keystone Club for teenagers has helped members of the Torch Club, for youth ages 9 -12.
"Jeremy is a dedicated member of the Randolph community and has donated countless hours of his time to the Randolph Youth Center and Torch Club," said Mr. Chase. "His leadership and organizational skills have been beneficial, as well as uniquely instrumental to these programs, some of which were started from the ground up. His unwavering devotion to his community exemplifies strong moral fiber and character not at all common in teens his age."
Jeremy said his was elated when he was told of his selection as youth of the year.
"I was incredibly amazed and happy when they told me I was selected for this award," Jeremy said. "It feels great to be recognized for all the time I've dedicated to volunteer work."
Jeremy is a member of the National Honor Society through his school and an honor student. The youth was also recently selected to attend the Air Force Academy's Summer Seminar program. The extremely competitive program is a rigorous, one-week course to introduce high school juniors and seniors to what the Air Force has to offer, and lets the students experience the academic environment, physical requirements, team building, and leadership skills necessary to become an academy cadet.
Jeremy demonstrated his leadership skills this year, serving as the vice-president for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 's youth council, was a youth representative to the executive board of the Cherice Cochrane Mentoring For Success Foundation, and was the Foundation's 'Mr. Teen San Antonio' for 2006-2007.
"I can always count on Jeremy," said Claudette Lewis, the Cherice Cochrane Mentoring for Success Foundation president.
In Jeremy's spare time, he enjoys painting and drawing, for which he earned several awards. He medaled for Judson in a University Interscholastic League competition in February, and received two Afro-Academic, Cultural and Scientific Olympics Gold Medal awards (one for painting, and one for a drawing) during the local chapter of the NAACP ACT-SO competition. Jeremy will be representing San Antonio's chapter at the National Convention in Detroit this summer.
Aside from his love for art, Jeremy said he also enjoys playing sports and working out.
"I like track, but my passion is basketball," he said. "I go to the gym at 5 a.m. just to practice my shot or to play a pick-up game with my friends. I also play after school in the neighborhood, or with my little brother, Myles."
Jeremy's father said he is very proud of his son's accomplishments and sees a bright future ahead for him.
"He amazes me. I often tell him he can do and be anything he wants, and when he puts his mind to it he has accomplished every goal he has chosen," Dr. Wortham said. "His mom, little brother and I are very proud of him."