Meet Serigne: Youth of the Year for A. W. “Tony” Matthews Boys & Girls Club

Serigne

Club membership: 10 years

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: “My career goal is to attend an Ivy League college, majoring in both Political Science and Business. This dual focus will give me a comprehensive understanding of governance and organizational management. After earning my degree, I aim to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals without access to essential resources. By leveraging the skills and knowledge gained through my education, I hope to create impactful programs that address critical needs and foster positive change in communities. Ultimately, I want to make a meaningful difference in the world by empowering others and addressing systemic challenges.”

Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you? “The Matthews Boys & Girls Club is immensely important to me as a cornerstone of my personal development. When I first arrived, I struggled with perfecting my English and building self-confidence. The club provided a supportive environment, offering resources and opportunities that helped me overcome these challenges. Through its diverse programs, I improved my language skills and learned to connect with others, building meaningful relationships. The mentorship and encouragement I received were crucial in preparing me for future leadership roles and navigating life’s challenges with confidence. The experiences and friendships I gained at the club have shaped who I am today and guided my aspirations for the future. The Matthews Boys & Girls Club has left a lasting impact on my life, and its influence will always be a cherished part of my personal story.”

How does it feel to represent your Club as Youth of the Year? What does it mean to you? “Representing the Matthews Boys & Girls Club as Youth of the Year is an incredible honor that fills me with pride and a deep sense of responsibility. It feels like a significant passing of the torch from past winners who have set a high standard and inspired me during my time at the club. Their achievements and dedication have been a guiding light for me, and being chosen to follow in their footsteps is both humbling and exhilarating.

I see this role as an opportunity to give back to the club that has supported and nurtured me and to inspire other members. I aim to embody the club’s values and spirit, demonstrating the positive impact of involvement and commitment through my actions. By representing the club with integrity and enthusiasm, I hope to motivate others to reach their full potential, just as I was inspired by those who came before me. This role is not just a personal achievement but a chance to contribute to the ongoing legacy of excellence and support within the Matthews community.”

Meet Serigne: Serigne is a 16-year-old junior at South Cobb High School and a 10-year member of the A. W. “Tony” Matthews Boys & Girls Club. He plans to attend an Ivy League college to study Political Science and Business, aiming to start a nonprofit supporting underserved communities. The Club has helped Serigne overcome language barriers and build confidence, playing a crucial role in his personal development. As Youth of the Year, Serigne is proud to give back and inspire younger members. He credits the Club for supporting his academic and career goals through leadership programs and mentorship. For Serigne, a “legacy of impact” means leaving a lasting positive influence that inspires others to pursue their dreams. 

“The Matthews Boys and Girls Club has been instrumental in supporting my aspirations for college, post-secondary education, and my career in technology. From a young age, I was passionate about the tech field, and the Club provided invaluable resources to help me pursue this goal. Participating in the robotics competition offered mentorship and hands-on knowledge, while coding camps equipped me with essential skills. Additionally, the Club has brought in numerous professionals to guide and inspire us, further fueling my ambitions. Beyond technology, the Club has supported my interest in the non-profit sector by offering work experience through leadership programs and the YEP (Youth Employment Program). These experiences have helped me realize my goal of helping others and have given me practical experience and insight into working in a non-profit environment. Overall, the Club’s comprehensive support has been crucial in shaping my career path and preparing me for future endeavors.”