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Chingiz Bahadur, a 16-year-old Fairfax resident, has been named the Division 1 Young Marine of the Year, advancing him into a six-person competition for the organization’s highest national honor.

Bahadur, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, has participated in the Young Marines for six years. He is a member of the Potomac River Young Marines in Washington, D.C.

As Division 1’s top honoree, Young Marine Sergeant Major Bahadur will spend a year visiting units across the division, where he will lead, motivate and mentor younger participants. Division 1 encompasses 40 units across 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Bahadur will compete against the winners of the Young Marines’ five other divisions for the National Young Marine of the Year title. The selection was scheduled for the 2025 Adult Leaders Conference in Dallas in April.

Division winners must complete Advanced Leadership School at the organization’s National Leadership Academy, demonstrate strong academic performance and maintain high physical-fitness standards.

“Chingiz is a proven leader and an exemplary Young Marine,” said retired Marine Col. William P. Davis, the organization’s national executive director and CEO. Davis cited Bahadur’s academic, community and unit accomplishments, as well as his dedication to mentoring others and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

At Thomas Jefferson, Bahadur competed in varsity wrestling and football during each of his first three years. He also received a Symphonic Band award for two years and a National Honor Society award recognizing extensive community service.

His Young Marines honors include division-level Meritorious Service, Academy Achievement with Golden Lamp, Distinguished Unit Citations and perfect physical-fitness scores on three occasions at the National Leadership Academy.

Bahadur speaks four languages fluently and is pursuing an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He hopes to become a Navy SEAL and believes his language skills would benefit his naval career.

“The Young Marines transformed my life and gave me a sense of purpose,” Bahadur said. “The program has taught me leadership skills, self-discipline, and the importance of giving back.”

He said guidance from role models helped him develop those qualities and that he is honored to fill the same role for younger members. Bahadur also values the opportunities the program has provided to travel, attend events around the country, learn new things and form lasting relationships.

“Making an impact on diverse groups of youth has given me great joy and personal satisfaction,” he said.

The Young Marines is a national nonprofit education and service program for children from age 8 through high school graduation.