FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — An accomplished 17-year-old Fairfax County student was named the National Young Marine of the Year, out of more than 5,000 young men and women from all over the country.

Chingiz Bahadur is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Bahadur is a member of the Potomac River Young Marines in Washington, D.C., and was one of six division winners to go to Texas and compete for the national title on April 26.

While Bahadur is reaping the rewards of his hard work now, he faced challenges when his family came to the country seven years ago.

He didn't speak any English and credits the nonprofit with helping him learn and make friends.

"The biggest thing I’ll say is anything is possible," Bahadur said. "You know, I’ve only been in this country seven years, and the fact that I was able to learn English and get where I am today, speaking to you at this moment, is the biggest accomplishment that I could just think of, and it’s just, it has gave me so many opportunities and taught me so many new things about what it is being a citizen and how to interact with people, talk to people, connect and bond, so many life skills, and I’m ready to share all that."

Bahadur said the nonprofit also sparked a passion for serving others, to the tune of 300 hours of community service.

"I think for a lot of my peers today, it’s truly important for you to look for things to serve our community and do something to change lives," Bahadur said. "This program has truly made me want to help people out there."

Bahadur now speaks a total of four languages.

In his new role, he will travel the country speaking to other youth in the organization.

Someday, he plans to attend the United States Naval Academy and become a Navy SEAL--inspired by the brave warriors who paved the way before him.

"I've actually spent a lot of time with veterans, and this program is truly the pinnacle of what has helped me want to serve my country," Bahadur said. "I mean I’ve met so many legends, and I have these baseball cards right here that were signed by World War One veterans and veterans that were in Iwo Jima, and it’s just amazing. And that’s what really pushed me to want to help and want to serve my country."