As we get ready to honor this year’s Military Child of the Year Award recipients in Washington DC on April 11th, we are privileged to share their inspiring examples of resiliency, leadership and achievement. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Mark Newberry, Air Force Military Child of the Year for 2013:
Mark moved for the 10th time, recently from Virginia to Washington state, the summer before his senior year. He carries a 4.25 GPA with a course load of Advanced Placement statistics, anatomy, physiology, European history and literature. Mark earned three varsity letters in track and cross country and his team placed third at the state championship. He earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout at just 13 years old. Mark teaches Sunday school, visits shut-ins every other weekend and volunteers at the local VA thrift store and elderly village. His school principal, John McSmith wrote, “Mark is a person of character who always does the right thing. He is thoughtful and considerate to everyone, willing to help and work for the success of the team.”
The Newberry family has military roots extending back to the Civil War. The most recent generations include Mark’s father, Brian, who is the Wing Commander at Fairchild Air Force Base. Mark’s uncle is also a Colonel in the Air Force currently serving at the Pentagon. Marks’ grandfather retired from the Air Force with 20 years of service. Mark’s mother, Jill, is a registered nurse.
Mark attributes his adaptive nature and love of travel to his many moves. “With ten moves in 18 years, I have either lived in or seen almost every state. Having moved 3,000 miles three separate times has given me the opportunity to see some amazing sights. I have been able to meet many great people all over the country.”
He participated in the Duke University TIP Program for clinical psychology and shadowed a surgeon for 20 hours for his senior honors project, all in pursuit of a career in medicine. Mark will study Pre-Med and has been accepted to the University of Texas-Austin, the University of Michigan and Baylor University and awaiting to hear back from Air Force ROTC and a few other universities.
Mark enjoys playing sports and spending time outdoors -a perfect activity is a pick-up game of basketball under blue skies and sunshine. He is the son of Jill and Brian Newberry. Mark has a younger brother, Matthew.
Service Highlights
Awarded Boy Scout Eagle Rank, age 13
Sunday School teacher
Twice monthly visits homebound seniors
VA thrift store
Volunteers at local Elderly Village with holiday celebrations and dinners
Other Highlights
Junior Class Treasurer
Homecoming Committee
Latin Club
Key Club Treasurer
National Honor Society
Varsity cross country, Varsity track
Favorite Quote: Mark says, “I remind myself of this quote before every race, in order to focus on my goal. As a fellow distance runner, I have idolized Steve Prefontaine because of his success as a record holder and Olympian. I have strived to carry on his same work ethic.”
To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift. ~ Steve Prefontaine
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The fifth annual Military Child of the Year Awards will be presented April 11, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. In addition to the trip to our nation’s capital, recipients are awarded a laptop computer and a $5,000 cash prize.
