Annual Youth of the Year Celebration Raises More Than $1M for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is honored to announce Jaden T. of the A.W. Tony Matthews Boys & Girls Club in Mableton, GA, as our 2023-2024 Youth of the Year. Jaden was selected among 18 accomplished teens representing Clubs throughout Metro Atlanta and recognized at BGCMA’s Annual Youth of the Year Celebration on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at the Coca-Cola Roxy.
The “Masterpiece in the Making” themed program hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Monica Pearson also served as our organization’s signature fundraising event raising more than $1 million for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. It featured a dynamic live performance by the BGCMA League of Extradentary Talent, a performance ensemble of current Club members across Metro Atlanta; special appearances from City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and sportscaster Ernie Johnson; and Falcons Legends Ovie Mughelli and Dewey McClain along with several other community leaders served as super judges. Most importantly, guests had the opportunity to hear inspiring speeches from the top five Youth of the Year finalists. In the culminating moment, Jonas C. of the Douglas County Boys & Girls Club was named runner up and Jaden T. was named Metro Atlanta’s Youth of the Year–the organization’s most prestigious honor!
“A masterpiece in the making is a perfect phrase to describe who I am. I am constantly growing and improving in all areas of my life,” said Jaden, a 17-year-old high school senior with plans to attend Howard University and study political science. She says attending Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth Days of Advocacy in Washington, D.C. opened her eyes to endless career paths. “My end goal is to become an attorney and work in the nation’s Capital as a policymaker. I want to positively impact the world by providing support to those who feel unheard and make great changes that will benefit the masses.”
Youth of the Year is part of BGCMA’s focus on character and leadership development. The yearlong program recognizes teen Club members who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. Each year, one outstanding teen is named the organization’s Youth of the Year and serves as its youth spokesperson.
“We are so proud of all of our candidates and delighted to introduce Jaden as our 2023-2024 Youth of the Year,” said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. “Through her unwavering determination, leadership, and dedication to personal growth, Jaden has emerged as a living testament to the transformative power of Boys & Girls Clubs. Her journey is a canvas of resilience and achievement, showcasing the potential inherent in every young person who enters our proverbial Blue Doors. As we celebrate our remarkable masterpieces in the making, we are not only honoring Jaden but also recognizing the collective impact of our community in igniting the unlimited potential of future leaders.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta thanks Bank of America for being the presenting sponsor of the Youth of the Year Celebration for the fifth consecutive year. BGCMA would also like to thank all corporate and individual sponsors for ensuring Clubs and staff can continue making a difference in the lives of kids and teens across Metro Atlanta.
To learn more about the 18 inspiring teens who participated in this year’s Youth of the Year Celebration and the organization’s character & leadership development programs, visit bgcma.org/youthoftheyear.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: For more than 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 25 Clubs located in 10 counties across metropolitan Atlanta serve 7,000 members (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: Instagram (bgcmATL), Facebook (BGCMA), LinkedIn (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta), or visit us online at www.bgcma.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christin Jackson
Brand & Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
470.823.3276 | cjackson@bgcma.org