Daughter of Travis Airman named AMC Youth of the Year for 2006

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60 AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Her resume and list of accomplishments are more than four pages long and she's only 17 years old.

Michelle Chiaravalle, daughter of 1st Lt. Jamal Quinnert, 60th Communications Squadron Plans and Implementation deputy chief, was named the 2006 Youth of the Year for Air Mobility Command.

Michelle was recognized for her outstanding community service, academic and athletic accomplishments. Her current, weighted grade point average is 4.28.

Some of her accomplishments include a $1,000 scholarship for her selection as a runner-up for Northern California's Teen of the Year Program.
She received a commendation certificate from the mayor of Vacaville for her volunteer work with the Vacaville Veteran's Hall.

She is currently a varsity member of the Vanden High School Cross Country team and the Vanden Track and Field team. Michelle was also the commander of her high school's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Rifle Drill team when they won first place at the Southern California Invitational Drill Meet.

"I enjoy the challenge," she said. "Ultimately, I learn a lot from everything I do."
She hopes to take everything she's learned and apply it to a career as an Air Force pilot. Michelle is currently working on an application package to attend the Air Force Academy in the summer of 2007.
"My main goal is to join the Air Force Academy," she said. "I know all of these accomplishments will help me [towards my goal]. Once I set out on a goal, I strive toward it and try to get as much accomplished as possible."

She wants to go to the Academy because of the leadership challenges and other opportunities she would have to face on top of the normal academic setting.

"I want to achieve my fullest potential, I believe this service academy is the best way to meet them head on," Michelle said.
No matter what she may accomplish in the future, her dad is very proud of her.

"It's amazing - teenagers have a lot on their plate with today's issues - she's focused, competitive and determined to meet her goals and aspirations," Lieutenant Quinnert said. "Our whole family is proud of Michelle - she wants to give to the Air Force and her community as much as possible."

He also has a theory as to why his daughter has grown up to become a person who was named AMC Youth of the Year.

"Ultimately, it's the [parent] dad factor," he said. "I grew up in the city and had nothing. My wife [Virgie] and I are accountable - Michelle has the tools, the founding principles of life 101, and the support from many helping agencies, friends and family members, she's making her own mark. We're proud of her."