Sgt. McCall Behringer of the Young Marines hasn't finished high school yet, but she's already looking like a decorated soldier.
The Perry Hall High School senior, named National Young Marine of the Year, accepted the Annual Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence in Youth Anti-Drug Programs on behalf of the Young Marines last week from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Young Marines announced.
The award "recognizes military-affiliated youth organizations around the world that have made intensive efforts at spreading anti-drug messages in local communities," according to the release.
Joseph J. Angello, Jr., director of Operational Readiness and Safety, Department of Defense, presented the award to Behringer on Oct. 18 in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon. The presentation coincided with Red Ribbon Week, a national drug prevention program. Behringer was joined by Red Ribbon Week coordinator Mike Wilson.
The Young Marines is a national military-affiliated non-profit that promotes education, service and leadership among young people. The organization has won the Fulcrum Shield Award five times since 2001, according to the release.
Capt. Kevin L. Klette, director of Drug Testing and Program Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, United States Navy, stated in the press release, "The outstanding effort of the Young Marines toward drug demand reduction is a model for other youth organizations."
"The program demonstrates how innovation and hard work can achieve an effective community drug awareness program," Klette added.
Behringer was named National Young Marine of the Year in June. Upon graduation, she plans to attend college and someday become a lawyer, according to the organization.
