YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED
AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS GREAT FUTURES GALA

Zhariah Davis Wins Youth of the Year, $5,000 in Scholarships & A NEW CAR

Over 500 guests and $660,000 raised for Club kids and teens!

St. Louis, MO, November 28, 2022 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2023 Youth of the Year winner is O’Fallon Park Club member Zhariah Davis! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive and a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and their Boys & Girls Club. The winner was announced under the Big Top at the carnival themed Great Futures Gala, the largest fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, which raised $660,000 for Club kids and teens!

Zhariah, age 17, is a senior at Metro Academic and Classical High School and has been a Club member for two years. In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title and the honor of representing the Club as a Teen Ambassador, she received the Michael & Wanda DeHaven $5,000 Scholarship, a celebratory dinner courtesy of the Saint Louis Club, and a car provided by Frank Leta Honda!

Zhariah’s Great Future plans are to pursue higher education and become a Biomedical Engineer. She enjoys the Club’s SMART Girls program the most and is thankful for the support of staff and programming that has helped boost her self-confidence. She says of the Club, “I love being a part of the Boys & Girls Club! Interacting and getting to know kids of different backgrounds and ages played a big role in boosting my confidence and developing better social skills. The staff also played a big role in my character development by making sure I felt safe but also by pushing me outside of my comfort zone. Most importantly, I love the Boys & Girls Club because the Club gives me the big family I’ve always wanted!”

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. All of the honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Another special moment in the evening was Daryl Jones from Tri-Tec, Inc. contributing $3,000 to each of the Youth of the Year runner up candidates.

2nd Place winner receiving a $2,500 scholarship is Mathews-Dickey Club member, Lai Joen Williams.

3rd Place winner receiving a $1,000 Scholarship is O’Fallon Park Club member Lailah Green.

4th Place winner receiving a $500 Scholarship is Herbert Hoover Club member Nikell Smith.

Special thanks to Emcee KSDK Rene Knott, the Great Futures Gala committee including event co-chairs, Melanie & Jim Bennett, Jill & Ed Dowd, and Lisa & Joe Bertain. We are also grateful to the following sponsors for their support: Title Sponsor, Dowd Bennett LLP, Presenting Sponsor Emerson, and Plantinum Sponsors Ameren, Edward Jones & Stifel. For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED
AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS GREAT FUTURES GALA

Lailah Green Wins Youth of the Year, $5,000 in Scholarships & A NEW CAR
Over 330 guests and $700,000 raised for Club kids and teens!

St. Louis, MO, October 22, 2021 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2022 Youth of the Year winner is O’Fallon Park Club member Lailah Green! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive and a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and their Boys & Girls Club. The winner was announced at the Jerseys & Jewels themed, drive in tailgate style Great Futures Gala, the largest fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, which raised $700,000 for Club kids and teens!

Lailah, age 15, is a sophomore at Metro Academic and Classical High School and has been a member of BGCSTL O’Fallon Park Club for eight years. In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title and honor to represent the Club as a Teen Ambassador, she received the Michael & Wanda DeHaven $5,000 Scholarship, a celebratory dinner courtesy of the Saint Louis Club and a car provided by Frank Leta Honda! Lailah plans to pursue higher education with hopes of one day becoming a Congresswoman when she graduates high school. She credits the supportive Club staff with helping her find light at the end of the tunnel and multiple programs for giving her an opportunity to turn around her behavior and lend a hand when she needed it most. She says the Club has, “helped her love herself, gain confidence, gain leadership skills and make long lasting friendships.”

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. All of the honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Another special moment in the evening was Mr. Martin Mathews, co-founder of the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club, being honored with the Capture the Vision Award which is presented to an individual or organization who demonstrates their devoted service to the Club through tireless innovation. Dr. Flint Fowler presented Mathews with the award and said, “Mr. Mathews is being recognized with the Capture the Vision Award for a life of service dedicated to the well-being of children. Thousands of our citizens have better lives because of the role he has played in their development.”

2nd Place winner receiving a $2,500 scholarship is Herbert Hoover Club member, Nikell Smith

3rd Place winner receiving a $1,000 Scholarship is Hazelwood East High member, Hannah Wallace

4th Place winner receiving a $500 Scholarship is Be Great Graduate Normandy High School member Da’Nija Jones

Special thanks to Emcee KSDK Rene Knott, the Great Futures Gala committee including, Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Donald M. Suggs and Keith Williamson and 2021 Co-Chairs Leah & Chris Harris, Nancy & Jim Wolfe, Catherine & John Stupp III and Kathryn & Jim Sansone. We are also grateful to the following sponsors for their support: Premier Sponsor, Centene Charitable Foundation, Lead Sponsor Emerson, and Presenting Sponsors Ameren, Dowd Bennett and Nancy and Jim Wolfe.

To view more pictures from the evening, click here.

For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For over 150 years, BGCSTL has been providing after-school, teen, sports and summer programs to youth in the St. Louis area while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs serve youth across the region at twelve locations, including (Adams Park Club, Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto, Boys & Girls Club of Lovejoy, Hazelwood Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, Normandy High School, O’Fallon Park Club, Riverview Gardens Club, Roosevelt High School, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School Club and the Teen Center of Excellence). We also operate Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Program.

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YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS GREAT FUTURES GALA

 Ja’Niyah Banks-Ewing Wins Youth of the Year, $9,000 in Scholarships & A NEW CAR Nearly 250 guests and $450,000 raised for Club kids!

St. Louis, MO, November 9, 2020 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2021 Youth of the Year winner is Ja’Niyah Banks-Ewing! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive and a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and their Boys & Girls Club. The winner was announced at the outdoor 70s themed, drive in tailgate style Great Futures Gala (reimagined), the largest fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, which raised $450,000 for Club youth!

Photo caption: Check presentation of the Michael and Wanda DeHaven $5000 Scholarship to 2021 BGCSTL Youth of the Year Ja’Niyah Banks-Ewing by Abby & Travis Sarich and Joe Brown of Frank Leta Honda who presented Ja’Niyah with a new car

Ja’Niyah, age 17, is a senior at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy and has been a member of BGCSTL Herbert Hoover Club for ten years. In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title and honor to represent the Club as a Teen Ambassador, she received the Michael & Wanda DeHaven $5,000 Scholarship, the Missouri State University Youth of the Year renewable $4,000 scholarship, a celebratory dinner courtesy of the Saint Louis Club and a car provided by Frank Leta Honda! Ja’Niyah plans to attend college, become a Dietician and part time Volleyball Coach. She credits the supportive Club staff and multiple programs for shaping her into the young lady she has become, guiding her in the right direction and exposing her to opportunities she would not have had access to if she wasn’t a Club member.

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. All of the honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Emcee KSDK News Anchor, Rene Knott inspired the crowd, online and attending the event, to help fund the need for Club kids and helped us meet our goal of $100,000!

Another special moment in the evening was St. Louis based Kaldi’s Coffee announcing the launch of a new Great Futures Blend coffee where a portion of the proceeds will support Club programs and services!! The artwork on each bag was created by Club member Gabby and, Club members also created the coffee jingle to promote the new coffee partnership! Click here to listen, and here to order your Great Futures Blend!

2^nd Place winner receiving the $2,500 Emerson Scholarship is Teen Center of Excellence member, Diondre Fulton! Award presented by co-chairs Matt & Linda Renner

3^rd Place winner receiving a $1,000 Scholarship is Adams Park Club member, Triniti Groves! Award presented by co-chairs Lorenzo & Sheila Boyd

4^th Place winner receiving a $500 Scholarship is Teen Center of Excellence member, Troy Staten! Award presented by Ricky & Elizabeth Nix

Special thanks to the Great Futures Gala committee including Co-chairs – Lorenzo & Sheila Boyd, Matt & Linda Renner and Brad & Michele Sowers. And, to the following sponsors for their support: Lead Sponsor, Emerson Foundation; Presenting Sponsors, Centene Charitable Foundation, Express Scripts, Stifel, Matt & Linda Renner and, Brad & Michele Sowers. For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.

To view more photos from the event, click here. To hear the emotional Youth of the Year candidate speeches from the evening, follow the links below.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS GREAT FUTURES GALA
Danielle Kain Wins Youth of the Year, $9,000 in Scholarships & A NEW CAR
Nearly 700 guests and $525,000 raised for Club kids!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2020 Youth of the Year winner is Danielle Kain! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive and a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and their Boys & Girls Club. The winner was announced at the Great Futures Gala, the largest fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis which raised $525,000 for Club youth!

Photo: Check presentation to 2020 BGCSTL Youth of the Year Danielle Kain of the Michael and Wanda DeHaven $5000 Scholarship presented by Abby & Travis Sarich Daughter and son-in law of Michael and Wanda DeHaven

Danielle, age 16, is a junior at MICDS and has been a member of BGCSTL Ferguson Club for eight years. In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title and honor to represent the Club as a Teen Ambassador, she received the Michael & Wanda DeHaven $5,000 Scholarship, the Missouri State University Youth of the Year $4,000 scholarship, a celebratory dinner courtesy of the Saint Louis Club and a car provided by Frank Leta Honda! Danielle plans to become an Aerospace Engineer post college.

Most days at the Club you can find Danielle engaged in the Music Studio or Robotics/STEM programs. She says the Club has been a constant source of support throughout her journey. During her eight years at the Club Danielle has won the BGCA Hank Aaron Scholarship Award, allowing her to purchase STEM materials and equipment to provide sessions for elementary, middle, and high school club members; she participated as a teen panelist at Harris Stowe State University’s Spark the Mind Advancing the Agenda for African Americans in STEM event, which led to her unforgettable personal meeting of Aprille Ericsson, current aerospace engineer for NASA; she competed for the nationwide 2019 STEP Ahead Awards and won 1st Place in the high school division, which included an all-inclusive trip to Washington, D.C; and, spoke at several events sharing how the Boys & Girls Clubs has impacted her life. She also received the Joan Ellyn Silber Award for Volunteerism and Leadership!

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. All of the honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below (left to right):

2nd Place winner receiving the $2,500 Emerson Scholarship is Herbert Hoover Club member, Kahalia Adams!
3rd Place winner receiving a $1,000 Scholarship is Be Great: Graduate Roosevelt High School Club member, Alex Mugisha!
2020 Youth of the Year Danielle Kain
4th Place winner receiving a $500 Scholarship is Be Great: Graduate Roosevelt High School Club member, Fatuma Euli! Congratulations!

Special thanks to the Great Futures Gala committee including Co-chairs – Keith & Andrea Lueking, Rufus & Mercia Moore and Jim & Mindy Watson. And, to the following sponsors for their support: Lead Sponsor, Emerson Foundation; Presenting Sponsors, Centene Charitable Foundation, Dowd Bennett, LLP and Midwest BankCentre; Great Futures Sponsors, Argent Capital Management LLC, Express Scripts and Stifel Nicolaus; Youth of the Year Sponsors, Ameren, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ascension, Bayer, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLC, Enterprise Holdings, EY, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale, P.C., Laborers’ Local 110, Paul & Laura Miller, Spire Energy, St. Louis Cardinals, Thompson Coburn LLP and U.S. Bank. And, a host of table sponsors.

To view photos from the evening, click here.

Event co-chairs, L to R
Rufus & Mercia Moore, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis president Dr. Flint Fowler, Jim & Mindy Watson and Keith & Andrea Lueking

Kahalia Adams Wins Youth of the Year, $5,000 Scholarship & A NEW CAR
Over 700 guests and $400,000+ raised for Club kids!

St. Louis, MO, November 10, 2018 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2019 Youth of the Year winner is Kahalia Adams! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive and a signature national youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and their Boys & Girls Club. The winner was announced at the Great Futures Gala, the largest fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis which raised a grand total of over $400,000 and met its “fund-a-need” goal of $120,000+ that same evening.

Kahalia, age 17, is a junior at Parkway North High School and has been a member of BGCSTL Herbert Hoover Club for ten years. In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title and honor to represent the Club as a Teen Ambassador, she won the Wanda and Michael DeHaven Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year scholarship in the amount of $5,000. And, a Honda Accord courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive Group!

During her speech given at the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Great Futures Gala, held on Friday, 11/9 at the Chase Park Plaza, Kahalia reflected on the impact the Boys & Girls Clubs had on her life, saying, “Being a member gives me the opportunity to be around like-minded individuals who aspire to be more than their current situations. The Club impacted my life tremendously by giving me a controlled environment to thrive in. I believe that my divine purpose involves leading my generation by example; while setting the tone for the youth and the elders by carrying myself with the respect and dignity I expect from others. These things would be unattainable for me without the guidance of the Club. The Club has not only shaped me into the young lady I am, but it is grooming me for the type of women that I want to become. ”

Now that she’s won the honor, Kahalia plans to fulfill her purpose and use her voice to positively influence young people across the nation. Once she graduates from high school she plans to attend her dream college, Jackson State University. Kahalia was selected from a group of four finalists who shared their stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle at the Great Futures Gala.

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. All of the honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and, should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below (pic attached, left to right):
2nd Place Winner, Danielle Kain ($2,500)
3rd Place Winner, Fatuma Euli ($1,000)
4th Place Winner, Jennifer Sandford ($500)
Youth of the Year Winner, Kahalia Adams ($5,000)

Special thanks to the Great Futures Gala committee including Honorary Co-chairs – Jimmy & Janet Williams and Event Co-chairs: Mark & Flora Stallion and Dave & Barb Touchette. And, to the following sponsors for their support: Presenting Sponsors, Centene Charitable Foundation and Emerson; Great Futures Sponsors, Greensfelder Hemker & Gale, P.C., Express Scripts, Argent Capital Management LLC and Stifel Nicolaus; Youth of the Year Sponsors, Bayer, Edward Jones, Enterprise Bank and Trust, KAI Design & Build — The UP Companies, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Lewis Rice, Nestle Purina, Paul & Laura Miller, Thompson Coburn, LLP, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org. To view all photos from the evening, click below.

To view the video highlighting the Club’s impact on teens and alumni, click below.

YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS GREAT FUTURES GALA

 Michaelmonique Mayo Wins Youth of the Year, $5,000 Scholarship & A NEW CAR

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2018 Youth of the Year winner Michaelmonique Mayo! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The award is Boys & Girls Clubs signature youth recognition program that celebrates the recipient’s contributions to their family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club.

Michaelmonique Mayo also won the inaugural Wanda and Michael DeHaven Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year scholarship in the amount of $5,000. And, a Honda Accord courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive Group, also a first for the Club’s Youth of the Year! During her speech given at the organization’s Great Futures Gala & 50th anniversary celebration, Mayo reflected on having to live out of a car earlier in her life – but now she is excited to own one!

As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17 year old Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman.  Now that she’s won the honor, Michael Monique says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals as well as encourage and set up programs for youth living in poverty.” She is a senior at Roosevelt High School and plans to attend college and major in Photo Journalism.

Michaelmonique was selected from a group of fourteen finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner.

“The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs.  We are so proud of all of this year’s participants who took the time to complete a challenging yet worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful, and, should be recognized for their leadership, service, academic achievements and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below (pic attached, left to right):

Youth of the Year Winner, Michaelmonique Mayo ($5,000)

4th Place Winner, Daija Glover ($500)

2nd Place Winner, Jennifer Sandford ($2500)

3rd Place Winner, Danielle Kain ($1,000)

The Youth of the Year competition included fourteen teenage finalists from various Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis locations (top left to right):

Canada Turner; Daija Glover; Michael Monique Mayo; Saadiq Holsey; Danielle Kain; Kenya Johnson; Devin Smith; Akeylah Lester; Heavyn Borroum; Jordon Gates; Kahalia Adams; Aaryn Gardner; Jennifer Sandford; and, Dezmond McSellers

For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is proud to announce our 2018 Youth of the Year Candidates

Meet our 2018 Youth of the Year (YOY) candidates! Fourteen teens are being recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership in their schools, communities, and Clubs. But only one will be awarded with the highest honor — Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Over the past few months, the journey for these teens has included professional development sessions such as essay writing, personal branding, public speaking and interviewing skills – much of what’s been led by the Friends of the Club, the BGCSTL young professionals group. Many of the “Friends” also signed on the mentor the Youth of the Year candidates throughout the process.

The YOY candidates will participate in one more activity this week, getting them closer to becoming one of the finalists who will present their speech in front of over 600 guests at next week’s Great Futures Gala! By the end of the evening, a deserving teen will be crowned Youth of the Year!

The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

Meet the Candidates

Adams Park Club

Dezmond McSellers
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: Rockwood Summit
Number of Years that you have been a member: 10 years
One word to describe yourself – Determined
Planned College Major: International Business

Daija Glover
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: McKinley High School
Number of Years that you have been a member: 11 years
One word to describe yourself – Audacious
Planned College Major: Urban Politics and Law

Heavyn Borroum
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Rockwood Summit
Number of Years that you have been a member: 9 years
One word to describe yourself – Unstoppable
Planned College Major: Psychology/Communications

Saadiq Holsey
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Mckinley High
Number of Years that you have been a member: 8 years
One word to describe yourself – Multi-talented
Planned College Major: Electrical Engineering

Ferguson Middle School Club

Name: Danielle Tene’ Kain
Age: 14
Grade: 9th
School: Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS)
Number of Years that you have been a member: 6 years
One word to describe yourself – Blessed
Planned College Major: Astro Physics

Herbert Hoover Club

Kahalia Adams
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Parkway North High School
Number of Years that you have been a member: 1 year
One word to describe yourself – Talented
Planned College Major: Anesthesiologist

Aaryn Gardner
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: McKinley High School
Number of Years that you have been a member: 10 years
One word to describe yourself – Self-Disciplined
Planned College Major: Vocal Performance and Musical Theatre

Devin Smith
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Cardinal Ritter College Prep
Number of Years that you have been a member: 12 years
One word to describe yourself – Devoted
Planned College Major: Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

Jennifer Sandford
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School: Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
Number of Years that you have been a member: 8 years
One word to describe yourself – Ambitious
Planned College Major: Biology

Jordon Gates
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Career Academy
Number of Years that you have been a member: 12 years
One word to describe yourself – Passionate
Planned College Major: Neurology

Be Great Graduate: Roosevelt High School

Canada Turner
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Roosevelt High
Number of Years that you have been a member: 4 years
One word to describe yourself – Determined
Planned Great Future: Marines

Michael Monique Mayo
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Roosevelt
Number of Years that you have been a member: 4 years
One word to describe yourself – Inspirational
Planned College Major: Photo Journalism

O’Fallon Park Club

Akeylah Lester
Age: 17
Grade: 11th
School: Marquette
Number of Years that you have been a member: 2 years
One word to describe yourself – Humble
Planned College Major: Education

Kenya Johnson
Age: 16
Grade: 11th
School: Clyde C Miller
Number of Years that you have been a member: 2 years
One word to describe yourself – Kind
Planned College Major: Education

EXCEPTIONAL ST. LOUIS TEEN WINS
YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

JaLisa Wines Wins Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is proud to announce the 2017 Youth of the Year winner JaLisa Wines! Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. A premier youth recognition program, it recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club.

As the new Youth of the Year and ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, this 17 year old Herbert Hoover Club member is a true example of an extraordinary young woman for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now that she’s won the honor, JaLisa says, “I want to motivate youth to achieve their goals by implementing programs that will positively change society.” She is a senior at Confluence Preparatory Academy and plans to attend Truman State University to become an Accountant.

JaLisa was selected from a group of eleven finalists who shared their story of perseverance and dedication to their family, Club and community before a panel of judges who chose the winner. In addition to being crowned the title at BGCSTL’s Great Futures Gala, she also received a $2500 scholarship.

“The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs. We are so proud of all of our Youth of the Year participants who took the time to complete this challenging and worthwhile process. All possess the ability and ambition to be successful leaders,” said Dr. Flint Fowler, President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Congratulations to all of the Youth of the Year top finishers listed below:
2nd Place Winner – Michael Monique Mayo; 3rd Place Winner – Aaryn Gardner; 4th Place Winner – Kayvion Calvert.

Group photo of the eleven finalists (left to right):
JaLisa Wines, Andrew Hudson, Nicole Hughes, Ezekiel Jones, Danielle Kain, Kayvion Calvert, Daija Glover, Aaryn Gardner, Shaila Jones, Jennifer Sandford and Michael Monique Mayo

For more information on how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is helping our community, visit www.bgcstl.org.