Meet Mikayla: Youth of the Year for Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club

Mikayla

Club membership: 10 months

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: “I plan to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU) for my undergraduate studies. After graduation, I intend to further my education in nursing to become a registered nurse (RN). My goal is to contribute to the healthcare field by providing high-quality patient care and positively impacting people’s lives.”

Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you? “The Whitehead Boys & Girls Club is important to me because it has provided a supportive environment for my personal and academic growth. It has helped me develop leadership skills, form lasting relationships, and discover new passions. The mentorship and opportunities I’ve received have been crucial in shaping my goals, including my desire to pursue a career in nursing, where I hope to continue giving back to my community.”

How does it feel to represent your Club as Youth of the Year? What does it mean to you? “Being selected as Youth of the Year is both an honor and a responsibility. It feels incredible to represent the Whitehead Boys & Girls Club, an organization that has significantly impacted my development. This recognition means a great deal to me as it acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and growth I’ve experienced during my time at the club. It motivates me to continue being a positive role model for others and to give back to the community that has supported me.”

Meet Mikayla: Mikayla is a 16-year-old 10th grader at South Atlanta High School and a member of the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club for nine months. She plans to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU) to pursue a nursing degree and become a registered nurse, aiming to make a positive impact in healthcare. Mikayla credits the Boys & Girls Club for helping her grow personally and academically, developing leadership, teamwork, and resilience. As Youth of the Year, she is honored to represent the Club and inspire others to pursue their dreams. She’s learned valuable interpersonal skills, becoming more compassionate, and prepared to work with diverse groups, essential for her future in nursing. Mikayla hopes to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring others to give back and make positive contributions to their communities. 

“To me, a legacy of impact means leaving a lasting positive influence on others, inspiring them to grow, give back, and make meaningful contributions to their communities long after I’m gone.”