Success Story

Meet Laura: Metro Atlanta's New Youth of the Year

Cassandra

Laura Ramirez from the Brookhaven Club was named Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s 2011-2012 Youth of the Year at BGCMA’s signature Youth of the Year Dinner & Awards Ceremony on November 10.

“I don’t know where I’d be without the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club,” said Laura. “The Club is the place where I feel safe every time I face a challenge. One of the hardest times I endured was when my father had surgeries due to kidney failure and not knowing if he would make it day to day. But my Club helped me through that and taught me that through the hard times, we find passion to become a leader.” 

She was awarded this tremendous honor after she presented a passionate and heartfelt speech to more than 900 supporters at Georgia Aquarium. Laura has been a member of the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club for seven years. According to her, the Club is the place where she found the motivation to “be hungry” for success. She credits the Club and her staff there for helping her overcome tough times, rise through challenges and realize her potential.

On her Way to a GREAT Future...

As a model student, Laura is on her way to becoming valedictorian of her graduating class at Cross Keys High School. She not only maintains a 4.0 GPA, but she is also currently captain of the Cross Keys swim team, tennis team and BETA Club president.

Within her Boys & Girls Club, Laura is president of the Brookhaven Keystone Club, Junior Staff and volunteers her time as a peer tutor in science and math. After graduation, she plans to attend Emory University in hopes of becoming a Nephrologist.

Her Challenges...

As a young Latina woman, this Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year has faced resistance from her community because of her aspirations in life. Within her culture, women stay home and run the household –not pursue a career. Along with the pressure from her community, at home Laura dealt with her father’s unpredictable kidney issues. With the pressure of her life weighing on her shoulders, Laura needed an outlet, and she found that in her Club.

College Bound... 

Thanks to the guidance and support from her Club, Laura has overcome her challenges and is college bound after graduation. With service to others in mind, her dream of becoming a GREAT Nephrologist is within reach.

”It was the Club where I learned the value of education, college and being a positive role model and leader. Every time I walk through the doors of my Club, I know I will walk out more fulfilled. I am proud to represent thousands of youth across metro Atlanta as Youth of the Year.”

As Youth of the Year, Laura was awarded a $5,000 college scholarship. In spring 2012, she will continue to compete for statewide YOY honors.

About Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is a year-round development program that honors Boys & Girls Club members as outstanding citizens and leaders. Laura is one of the 22 Youth of the Year candidates who competed for the title. These young leaders are selected to become a YOY through a combination of academic achievement, leadership qualities and engagement in their Club and community. They represent thousands of youth across metro Atlanta Clubs whose lives are transformed by their Boys & Girls Club.

Great Futures Start Here, and Laura’s one extraordinary example.

Visit www.atlyouthoftheyear.org for details on the Annual Youth of the Year Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

Success Breeds Success!

See more stories of success resulting from involvement in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.