Cameron Crawford is a proud member of the East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club. The 16-year-old says he’s thrilled to be named Youth of the Year for this Club.
He’s been a member of the East DeKalb Club for more than 10 years. He says it’s a true honor to be recognized for demonstrating positive leadership in his Club, community, and school.
“It’s been an honor because of how long I’ve been here and now I have something to show for it. It’s a blessing to see it and make my grandfather proud because he works here.”
Cameron was introduced to the Club through his grandfather East DeKalb basketball coach and bus driver George Brown. Cameron said having loving people around like his father and his extended Club family have made a huge impact on his life.
“When I came here everyone knew me and they accepted me, and they took me in.”
Cameron said Club family like Executive Director Brandon Riley transformed him from a quiet child to an out spoken teen.
Cameron said teen programs like the Keystone community service and leadership program and even basketball, one of his favorite sports offered at the Club, helped boost his confidence as a young leader.
“I used to be in a shell and at basketball games I used to be scared to play. Over time, it took time to come out of that shell. I didn’t like to talk. I was the quiet person and now I’m more outspoken than I was before. I feel like that’s a great way my Boys and Girls Club have equipped me with to use in the real world.”
Cameron is looking forward to using all the lessons he’s learned to help him succeed after high school. After graduating high school, Cameron wants to attend the University of Georgia and study computer science.