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 Amanda Wimmersberg, Coast Guard Military Child of the Year for 2013:
Amanda is a gifted and talented senior with a 4.0 GPA and is captain of the varsity soccer team and track team. She is a member of the Peer Leadership program which helps freshman acclimate to their new school by providing an older student to talk to about problems and make sure they aren’t getting bullied. Amanda was the Teen Panel member of the Military Family Action Planning Committee and volunteers with her soccer team, student council and National Honor Society to organize beach cleanups and fundraisers.
She conducts senior citizen home visits with her church youth group. Amanda is certified in Red Cross CPR and First Aid and works as a lifeguard at the local community college. Amanda was nominated by her school counselor, Kelly Reising, who wrote, “Frequent moves have always been a part of her life and so Amanda adapted quickly to her new environment. From the beginning, it was clear that Amanda was resilient, hard-working and intelligent.”
Amanda’s mother, Christina, is a recently retired Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander. Her father, Richard is a Commander with the USCG Force Readiness Command- Detached Duty Navy Warfare Development Command in Norfolk, VA. Amanda’s maternal grandparents both served in the Army. Her grandmother was a nurse. Her grandfather was killed in action in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Air Medal.
Amanda has lived in nine different states and says, “I like the adventure. My favorite advantage of being a military kid is the ability to move everywhere and experience so many different places.”
This fall, Amanda will begin studies at the University of Central Florida, where she aspires to be a physical therapist. She says “I love helping people and encouraging them to be active. I grew up playing sports, and whenever I was hurt my athletic trainer would help me get back on the field. I would love to do the same and help others get back to what they love doing most.”
Amanda enjoys spending time with family and friends trying new things. She has parasailing, skydiving and swimming with sharks on her list of things to try. She is the eldest daughter of Christina and Richard Schultz and has two younger brothers, Tyler and Jack.
Service Highlights
Fundraisers for breast cancer research
Fundraisers for epilepsy cure & research
Hurricane Sandy food & clothing drive
Red Cross Blood Drive
Sr. citizen home visits
CPR & First Aid Certified
Other Highlights
Military Family Action Planning Committee, Teen Panel
National Honor Society
Varsity soccer, Varsity track
Student Council
Favorite Quote: Amanda says “I read this every day because it helps me understand no matter where I am in life, I should never take anything for granted.”
The secret to being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day. ~Anonymous
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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.
