Teens Recognized for Outstanding Leadership in School, Club, and Community
Atlanta, GA – September 28, 2016 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is proud to announce its 2016-2017 Youth of the Year winners from local Clubs in and around the city. The prestigious Youth of the Year award is BGCMA’s highest honor, recognizing teens from Clubs in the metro Atlanta area who are working hard, investing in themselves, and demonstrating leadership in their schools, Clubs, and communities.
This year, winners from 20 Boys & Girls Club locations will be honored at the annual Youth of the Year Dinner & Awards Ceremony on November 3 at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Hotel. The honorees will compete for the title of Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate these teens and their accomplishments,” said Missy Dugan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Each day in our Clubs, we work to show kids the power of positive choices and the impact of giving back. This year’s nominees are not only driving change among their peers and at their Clubs, they are making real change in their communities.”
Research shows that building character and leadership skills early on can have a lasting impact on children’s lives for years to come. According to Youth.gov, children participating in high-quality service-learning experiences that are meaningful, provide time for reflection, and last for an extended period of time have been shown to make academic gains, including gains on standardized tests. In addition, these children have shown increased engagement and motivation.
More than 600 attendees – including local politicians, business leaders, and advocates – are expected to attend this year’s Youth of the Year celebration. The event focuses on how these teens are serving as young leaders and gives attendees a glimpse into where they started, how their Clubs helped shape who they are today, and their plans for the future. At the end of the night, the most prestigious honor – Youth of the Year – will be presented to one deserving teen.
Congratulations to the following local winners:
· Pearline Allen, Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club
· Takiya Brown, A.W. “Tony” Matthews Boys & Girls Club
· Lyric Carter, Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club
· James Creese, A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club
· Latasia Davis, Paulding County Boys & Girls Club
· Taylor Dill, Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club
· Alana Douglas, Warren Boys & Girls Club
· Derrick Harden, John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club
· Elijah Howard, Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club
· Kennyce Howard, Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club
· Keavonte Lindsay, Centers of Hope at Thomasville Boys & Girls Club
· Chasity Marks, George Washington Carver Boys & Girls Club
· Kharmella Michel, Centers of Hope at Adamsville Boys & Girls Club
· Perjah Roberts, Douglas County Boys & Girls Club
· Brenda Rolle-Davis, East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club
· Cory Seals, Samuel L. Jones Boys & Girls Club
· Dalyn Small, Lawrenceville Boys & Girls Club
· Sergio Wallace, Newnan/Coweta Boys & Girls Club
· Sundiata Washington, A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club
· Quiana Willis, W.W. Woolfolk Boys & Girls Club
BGCMA serves more than 3,500 kids and teens each year. The Youth of the Year competition is part of a broader year-round program that helps youth develop character and leadership skills. BGCMA also focuses on helping youth succeed in school and live healthy. By 2020, the organization is working to ensure that 90 percent of the youth it serves are graduating on time, living healthy, and giving back.
BGCMA thanks all of its corporate and individual sponsors for opening doors for our youth. To find out more about this year’s Youth of the Year event and how to purchase a table, visit https://bgcma.orgyouthoftheyear2016. Follow the candidates’ journey on www.facebook.com/bgcma and www.twitter.com/BGCMA_Clubs using the hashtags #YOY2016 and #TeensLead. For more information on how you can become involved in shaping great futures, visit https://bgcma.orgget_involved.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 25 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,500 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is more than $5,700 per member, BGCMA asks families to pay only a $50 annual membership fee and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.
Media Contact:
Adrienne Leon
Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
404-527-0948 extension 1047
aleon@bgcma.org
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