Youth center honors its young achievers Published April 15, 2015 By Lee Ross Nucleus editor KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Volcano Vista High School senior Reece Torres was named Youth of the Year at Kirtland's Youth Center on Friday. Reece won due to her leadership qualities and volunteer efforts. She tutors elementary and middle school students, which she said she enjoys because they are fearless. "I tell them not to hold themselves back," she said. She enjoys science, especially biology, and participates in cheerleading and swimming programs at Volcano Vista. She said she ultimately wants to work in contracting at the Air Force. "I like that it's very structured. There is a right and a wrong answer," she said. Torres has been in programs at the youth center since she was seven and has been on the honor roll every year since middle school. She also participates in the Torch Club, Smart Girls' Club and 4-H. Torres said she also enjoys working with dogs, which she does as a volunteer at the Watermelon Mountain Ranch animal center. She said cleaning the cages and other chores there can be tedious, but she doesn't really mind. "I've always been a hard worker," she said. "And I like working with dogs. I would rather be with the dogs than the cats." The Junior Youth of the Year is Gabrielle Dorsey. Dorsey has been a member of the youth programs since June, when she moved from San Antonio. She has participated in Torch Club, Smart Girls Club and 4-H. She is also a member of the track team and orchestra at Grant Middle School.