Before Chris Goodwin came to Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC), he had made some poor decisions in his life: decisions that, at the time, admittedly weren’t the best. But as the saying goes, through fire comes gold.

Chris jumped into his crew’s van back in June ready to spend four weeks in the backcountry of Colorado immersed in hard, tiring, conservation work. Chris’ crew leader immediately appreciated his dedication to his work daily. “He leads by example,” said his crew leader. “He does what he’s supposed to…what he knows needs to be done….what will help advance the group in a positive manner.”

An “inherent leader” from the start, Chris radiated a positivity, respect and understanding which instantly endeared him to his crew, crew leaders and office staff. He was such a positive influence that his leader asked that he be allowed to return to RMYC for a second session, the only Regional Conservation Corps corps member to do so this year.

But what was most impressive was not Chris’ endless hard work or his leadership, but the transformation he underwent over the course of the season. “He has bridged the gap between working hard for the sake of working hard and working hard for the sake of true purpose. Chris has also learned how to work, live, interact in a community successfully and respectfully,” said his crew leader. “I believe the heights and achievements his is capable of are unlimited.”

Chris now believes that, although his past was full of bad choices, choosing to come to work for RMYC was one of the best choices he has made in his life. “This is the most sane I’ve been in 18 years,” said Chris Goodwin at his final crew circle of the season. It is because of this powerful statement and all of Chris’ inspiring actions leading up to it that RMYC nominates him as our 2009 Corpsmember of the Year.

Chris will be presented his award in Denver on January 26, 2010 at the Second Annual Colorado Youth Corps Associations' Hill Day celebration at the State Capital. Chris will be presented his award by State Senator Al White.