Youth of the Year
Meet Christopher
“The love and compassion that I received from the Club was a feeling I hadn’t felt in a long time.” –Christopher Davis
Christopher Davis is a senior at Lanier High School and has been a Club member for two years. Due to unfortunate circumstances and challenges his family has faced, Chris is responsible for keeping house and being responsible for himself and his little brother. Even so, Chris makes helping others a priority, and he does so through his incredible talent of dancing. Known as “Michael Jackson,” Chris volunteers as a dance teacher at several elementary schools. He is a wonderful role model and mentor for younger Club members. Through the Club’s Career Launch program, Chris was offered his first job at Banana Republic. After he graduates, He will join the United States Air Force, his first step in reaching his career goal of becoming a Mechanical Engineer. Hear Chris's story in his own words at our upcoming Spring Luncheon on May 15th. Join us in congratulating Chris on our Facebook page.
Meet Keira
Congratulations to 6th grade Ann Richards Club member, Keira Neal - our 2011 Middle School Youth of the Year. Keira has been a Club member for six years, attending the Overton Club during her elementary years. She spends most of her Club time at Homework Haven and enjoys yoga because, as she says, helps her "relieve stress from all the homework!" Keira has big plans for her future - to become a lawyer or a physical therapist. Law appeals to her because she is passionate about anti-bullying, and the latter because it makes her happy to relieve people's stress. Please join us in sending congratulations to Keira on our Facebook page!
About Youth of the Year
Each year, the Club names one high school and one middle school member "Youth of the Year." The award is based on a Club member's commitment to family, school, their Club, and community, and takes into consideration obstacles overcome. The high school winner receives a $5,000 college scholarship from the Austin Area Boys and Girls Club Foundation. The middle school winner receives a new computer. The high school winner advances to a regional competition for a chance at an additional $10,000 scholarship. If they advance to the national competition, they compete in Washington, D.C. for a $15,000 scholarship, installed by the President of the United States. The Youth of the Year program is administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and has been nationally sponsored by Reader's Digest since 1947.
Special thanks to our 2011 YOY judges: Travis County Judge Cliff Brown, Dr. Gloria Williams, AISD, Commissioner Margaret Gomez, and board members Karen Casey, Tom Mistler, and David Parks.
