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Killeen Today
By the People, for the People
Killeen Student Named Texas Military Youth of the Year
Victoria Klutse, a junior at Ellison High School, earns prestigious statewide honor.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:00am
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A vibrant celebration of a military-connected student's academic and community achievements.Killeen TodayKilleen Independent School District is celebrating the achievement of Ellison High School junior Victoria Klutse, who has been named the 2026 Texas Military Youth of the Year. This prestigious statewide award recognizes outstanding young people from military families for their leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
Why it matters
The Texas Military Youth of the Year award highlights the contributions and resilience of students from military backgrounds, who often face unique challenges due to frequent family relocations and a parent's deployment. Victoria's accomplishment brings positive attention to the Killeen community and the Killeen ISD school system, which supports a large population of military-connected students.
The details
Victoria Klutse, age 17, was selected for the Texas Military Youth of the Year honor after demonstrating exceptional leadership, academic performance, and community involvement. As part of the award, she will receive a college scholarship and the opportunity to compete for the regional and national Military Youth of the Year titles.
- Victoria Klutse was named the 2026 Texas Military Youth of the Year on April 7, 2026.
The players
Victoria Klutse
A 17-year-old junior at Ellison High School in Killeen, Texas, who was named the 2026 Texas Military Youth of the Year.
Killeen Independent School District
The public school district serving the city of Killeen, Texas, which has a large population of military-connected students.
What they’re saying
“Victoria is an exceptional young woman who embodies the values of leadership, academic excellence, and community service that we strive to cultivate in all of our students.”
— John Craft, Superintendent, Killeen ISD
What’s next
Victoria will now compete for the regional and national Military Youth of the Year titles, which could lead to additional scholarships and opportunities.
The takeaway
Victoria's achievement as the Texas Military Youth of the Year showcases the resilience and contributions of military-connected students in the Killeen community, and highlights the important role that public school districts like Killeen ISD play in supporting these students.
