PRINEVILLE – Standing in a building that he helped construct, 17-year-old Freeman York called to his dog, Anna Mae, during a training exercise for the Crook County 4-H program’s Colossal Canine dog club.

When he’s not training dogs for show, the Crook County High School junior can be found leading his own 4-H swing dance club, serving as a 4-H ambassador and teen counselor, or rallying students to participate in a 24-hour relay for the American Cancer Society.

He squeezes all of this in between playing on the high school soccer team, running track and keeping up his grade point average so he can stay in the National Honor Society.

For all his accomplishments, the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce recently chose Freeman as its first Youth of the Year. He was one of 12 teenagers who were nominated for the award.

”It’s just another reminder that people notice what I’m doing,” Freeman said of the award. ”I don’t like just sitting at home, so I try to go out and do something.”

Co-sponsored by the Crook County Community Coalition and the Crook County Commission on Children and Families, the youth leadership award shines the spotlight on active teenagers who are nominated by adult mentors for their commitment to school and their community.

The award doesn’t yet come with money, but it’s a chance for the community to show up-and-coming teenage leaders they are a valuable asset to the community, said Linda Arian, the commission’s prevention coordinator.

”A lot of kids are doing a lot of good things out there that don’t get recognition,” Arian said. ”I want them to know the community hears, sees and values their contributions and presence in our community.”

For 12 years – eight as a member – Freeman has given his all to the 4-H program. In exchange, he said he gets to explore ideas, learn and share life skills.

Freeman also flexes his public-speaking skills as a 4-H ambassador representing Crook County and Oregon at state and national conferences.

Beyond 4-H, Freeman finds time to serve as a teenage library commission member, helping to set up teen programs and run a summer reading program for the Crook County Library.

He even manages to work part time as a courtesy clerk at Ray’s Food Place, earning money toward college, where the math whiz wants to study computer or electrical engineering. ”

Dana Martin, who runs Crook County’s 4-H Youth Development program, nominated Freeman because of his devotion to the 4-H program and his take-charge attitude.

”He takes the lead and you can always count on him to follow through,” Martin said. ”I appreciate his leadership style. He includes humor, humility and dedication. He’s an incredible role model.”

Kim Griffin, a 4-H leader who has known Freeman since he was a child, echoed Martin’s sentiment.

She pointed out how Freeman raised money for the 4-H building, then worked beside his dad and other 4-H volunteers to erect it. Even now, Freeman helps clean and maintain the building, she said.

It’s the initiative of a natural born leader, she said.

”When he sees something, he just steps in and takes over,” Griffin said.