Metro Atlanta 2021 Youth of the Year runner-up Elias D. is flanked by Clayton County commissioners, Superintendent Dr. Morcease Beasely, Flint River Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Amelia Davis and his mother, Roshunnia.
At the Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting on Dec. 7, an extraordinary Club member was honored: Elias D., of the Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club.
As one of 15 candidates nominated to participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) 2021 Youth of the Year leadership development program, Elias was the first ever to represent his newly established Club. He certainly did not disappoint.
On Nov. 12, Elias was named 2021 Youth of the Year runner up. This prestigious accomplishment is awarded to the candidate who demonstrates exemplary academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. On Dec. 7, Clayton County leadership celebrated his achievement.
“I, Commissioner Felicia Franklin, on behalf of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners do hereby offer the warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to our 2021 Youth of the Year runner up Elias D. of the Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta,” Commissioner Franklin said while presenting Elias with an official proclamation.
Elias is a sophomore at Elite Scholars Academy in Jonesboro, where he excels as a student and leader to his peers and his community. His accomplishments also include running his own lawn care business and serving as a Leaders in Nature’s Kingdom (L.I.N.K.) member at Camp Kiwanis—where he achieved the L.I.N.K. of the Year Award. Upon Graduation in 2024, he plans to study veterinarian medicine at Tuskegee University. He then aspires to open his own practices of veterinarian clinics.
“Thank you helping us honor Elias, who is an exceptional leader in our Flint River Club,” said Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Amelia Davis. “We are so excited about his accomplishments, and we’re excited to be in the Flint River community. Thank you to the commissioner and the Board of Commissioners for partnering with us to ignite the unlimited potential of our kids & teens every single day.”
The Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club opened Feb. 15, 2021 and serves kids and teens in Clayton County. For more information about the Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club, please click here.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: For more than 80 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 25 Clubs located in 11 counties across metropolitan Atlanta have traditionally served nearly 3000 Club members (ages 6-18) each day, 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), LinkedIn (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta), and Instagram (bgcmATL), or visit us online at www.bgcma.org.