PARKVILLE, Md. — One junior from Parkville High has been named Division 2 Young Marine of the Year and can compete with 5 different division winners in the nation for the nationwide title. It’s the highest honor of the Young Marines.
16-year-old Matthew Lentz carries himself with confidence. It’s one thing he is gained throughout his eight years in the Young Marines.
“I was soft-spoken and could not actually venture my voice, come on digicam, do something like that, communicate in entrance of a big viewers. But the Young Marines has actually helped me come out of my shell,” mentioned Lentz.
The nonprofit teaches values, management, self-discipline, and teamwork to girls and boys ages eight via highschool.
“I first discovered about the Young Marines once I was seven, and I could not be a part of till I used to be eight, and I’ll have cried that evening trigger I actually needed to do it,” mentioned Lentz.
Lentz holds the rank of Young Marine Sergeant Major at the Hamilton Young Marines.
He’s been awarded completely different achievements and titles over the years. But when the name got here via from the Division Commander that he was the Divison 2 Young Marine of the Year, he could not consider it.
“I used to be simply in disbelief the complete time. I sort of had, like, a stun for phrases. It took me every week or two to completely set in. Like wow, that is actual, that is really occurring,” mentioned Lentz.
Lentz was chosen for his good grades, neighborhood accomplishments, and powerful management qualities. It’s an achievement that introduced tears to his mom’s eyes.
“It may be emotional at instances, simply watching his growth and progress in the program,” mentioned Beth Lentz, the Executive Officer of the Hamilton Young Marines. She’s seen how the program transforms younger folks.
“We will attempt to push that quiet younger marine out of their consolation degree, to not the level the place they’re upset about it, however exhibiting them that you are able to do this,” mentioned Beth.
While the program emphasizes being drug-free and mimics the Marine Core construction, Lentz says there’s nonetheless enjoyable and video games.
Over the subsequent 12 months, he’ll change into a job mannequin for others in the group and discover out at the award banquet in March if he will get the nationwide title.
“As of proper now, I’m representing our division. I’m going out to models,” mentioned Lentz. “So relying on the kind of occasion, I’m both there serving to encourage the Young Marines, or if I’m requested to return communicate in entrance of a gaggle, I’m sort of speaking about the Young Marines.”
Lentz plans on attending Towson University to pursue a level in educating to proceed having an affect on the youth.
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