ATLANTA – Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is proud to announce its 2024-2025 Youth of the Year (YOY) celebration, themed “Legacy of Impact.” Nineteen extraordinary teen leaders will represent their individual Clubs at the Youth of the Year Celebration on Friday, Nov. 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Roxy, where over 700 guests will have the opportunity to meet YOY candidates and support the youth-development organization’s mission.
Legendary Atlanta mediapersonality Monica Kauffman Pearson will once again emcee this annual signature fundraising event, which will feature a special live performance by the BGCMA League of Extradentary Talent, a performance ensemble of current Club members across Metro Atlanta. Super judges include Tom Bell (Retired CEO of Cousins Properties), Rodney Bullard (CEO of The Same House),Paul Donahue (Retired CEO of Genuine Parts Company), Shane Jackson (President of Jackson Healthcare), Ryan Marshall (CEO of PulteGroup), Natalie Morhous (CEO of RaceTrac), Sylvia Russell (Former President of AT&T Georgia), Matt Ryan (Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback), and Heather Sigler (Clinical Researcher). Most importantly, guests will have the opportunity to hear inspiring speeches from YOY finalists. In the culminating moment, one exceptional Club member will be named Metro Atlanta’s Youth of the Year–the organization’s most prestigious honor!
“Our yearlong character and leadership program, Youth of the Year, culminates in a fundraising gala and celebration where we honor some of the most exceptional teens in Metro Atlanta,” said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. “This year’s theme, ‘Legacy of Impact,’ reflects the enduring legacy that BGCMA has built since opening our doors in 1938, as well as the positive influence we hope to see in our current members. Our vision for all youth who walk through our proverbial Blue Doors is that they will emerge as leaders thriving in life and strengthening the futures of their communities and the world.”
BGCMA is proud to announce the following Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year candidates:
- Camille, At Promise South Boys & Girls Club | Atlanta (Fulton County)
- De’Jae, At Promise Southwest Boys & Girls Club | Atlanta (Fulton County)
- Alexander, R. Gus Barksdale Boys & Girls Club | Conyers (Rockdale County)
- Alexandrine, Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club | Norcross (Gwinnett County)
- Serigne, A. W. Tony Matthews Boys & Girls Club | Mableton (Cobb County)
- Kymora, Camp Kiwanis | Danielsville (Madison County)
- Terrence, Douglas County Boys & Girls Club | Douglasville (Douglas County)
- Charlaye, East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club | Lithonia (DeKalb County)
- Louise, Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club | Riverdale (Clayton County)
- Kendall, James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club | Marietta (Cobb County)
- Dexter, Jesse Draper Boys & Girls Club | College Park (Fulton County)
- Michael, John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club | Atlanta (Fulton County)
- Mikayla, Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club | Atlanta (Fulton County)
- Mamadou, Lawrenceville Boys & Girls Club | Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County)
- Kaleel, Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club | Austell (Cobb County)
- Gerald, Newnan/Coweta Boys & Girls Club | Newnan (Coweta County)
- Christian, Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County| McDonough
- Nicole, Warren Boys & Girls Club | Atlanta (Fulton County)
- Luis, William M. & Betty E. Small Boys & Girls Club| Chamblee (DeKalb County)
Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Youth of the Year Celebration. BGCMA is thankful for the support of its corporate and individual sponsors for opening doors for our youth.
About Youth of the Year: Youth of the Year (YOY) is the premier leadership program for Boys & Girls Clubs members ages 14-18. Each year, thousands of Club members participate in local, state, and regional YOY events, with hopes of advancing to the National Youth of the Year Celebration. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA)’s Youth of the Year Gala, we honor exceptional teens who reflect our mission and rich legacy of impact. Each of our 20+ Clubs selects one standout member who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and community service. These teens are celebrated at our YOY Gala, where one is named BGCMA’s Youth of the Year—the highest honor a Club member can achieve.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: For 85 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has ignited the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Our 26 Clubs located in 10 counties across metropolitan Atlanta serves approximately 7,000 kids & teens (ages 6-18) each year, offering youth development programs during critical non-school hours that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. To learn more about BGCMA, follow us on social media: Twitter (@BGCMA_Clubs), Facebook (BGCMA), TikTok (BGCMAtl), LinkedIn (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta), and Instagram (bgcmATL), or visit us online at www.bgcma.org.