Success Story

Meet Parris: Youth of the Year - James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club

Melanie

When Giselle Espinal-Francis, program director at James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club, was introduced to 15-year-old Parris Brown, he was standing tall in a suit and tie. She asked if there was a special occasion and he answered confidently, “I wear clothes like this everyday. It’s important to dress for success.”

From a young age, family and mentors alike recognized Parris’s natural leadership skills, humility and compassion. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) did too. Over the past ten years, the staff and peers at his Club have worked to help Parris build on his abilities and teach him to the value of giving back. 

Parris credits his Club with helping shape him into a well-rounded individual. While there, he has participated in programs such Keystone Club, College Bound and Money Matters. He has excelled on basketball, baseball and flag football teams, as well as won numerous oratorical competitions. He calls the Club his “home away from home”. 

During the school year, Parris juggles marching band, wrestling and community service, while maintaining a 3.5 GPA, keeping him in the top 15 percent of the 500 students in his graduating class. He is a role model to his younger brother and a positive force in his community.

He hopes to attend Tuskegee University and explore a degree in dentistry or aviation. 

 

As the winner of Youth of the Year at James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club, Parris is one of 19 candidates who will compete for the title of Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year, BGCMA’s highest honor. Each Youth of the Year is living proof that our Clubs change lives. These young leaders demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills and service to their Club and community. 

Join us on November 15 at the Youth of the Year Dinner & Awards Ceremony to find out who will be named the 2012 Face of the Future. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.atlyouthoftheyear.org. 

Check out BGCMA on Facebook for more updates on all 19 candidates.

 

Success Breeds Success!

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