Meet Kaleel: Youth of the Year for Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club

October 22, 2024 BGCMA

Kaleel

Club membership: 8 years

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: “I want to attend Boston University, majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Psychology. After graduating, I plan to work at Zocdoc in Boston. After two years in physical therapy, I aim to branch into clinical therapy.”

Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you? “The Boys & Girls Club is important to me because it taught me the value of empathy and caring for others. They provided opportunities and taught me life skills while creating a safe space for self-expression.”

How does it feel to represent your Club as Youth of the Year? What does it mean to you? “Being blessed to represent the Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club means the world to me. It allows me to share my rewarding experiences with the club and be a voice for my peers who have impacted me with their messages.”

Meet Kaleel: Kaleel is a 17-year-old senior at Pebblebrook High School and an eight-year member of the Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club. He plans to attend Boston University to major in kinesiology and minor in psychology, with a goal of working at Zocdoc in Boston and eventually transitioning into clinical therapy. Kaleel values Boys & Girls Clubs for teaching him empathy, life skills, and providing a safe space to grow. Representing his Club is an honor, allowing him to share his experiences and be a voice for his peers. The Club has helped him realize his potential and opened doors to new opportunities, including scholarships and personal growth. Kaleel aspires to inspire creativity and teamwork within his Club and make a lasting impact in his community by driving positive change. To him, a “Legacy of Impact” means leaving a lasting impression that inspires others to pursue greatness and show compassion.

“My Club has helped me to understand my greatness. For instance, I always understood that I was capable of doing great things, but I didn’t have that motivation in me to pursue my goal. They help me understand that whatever I put my mind to I can get.”