Meet Charlaye: Youth of the Year for East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club

Charlaye

Club membership: 11 years

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: “My career goal is to attend Clark Atlanta University, a private, coeducational four-year university in the historic heart of Atlanta, GA. I am deeply interested in understanding children’s emotional, mental, and developmental challenges, which motivates me to pursue a doctorate in child psychology at Clark Atlanta. With this knowledge, I aim to effectively advocate for young people, especially those from marginalized groups.

I plan to explore how family dynamics, trauma, and societal influences affect children’s development to design and implement support systems that address these issues. My education will enable me to provide psychological treatment, guidance, and educational resources, ensuring that children’s needs are met and their voices are heard. Ultimately, this aligns with my lifelong commitment to empowering youth and advocating for their well-being.”

Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you? “My Boys & Girls Club is significant to me because it has provided opportunities for growth, support, and development. It has created a safe atmosphere where I can improve my talents, build meaningful relationships, and work toward my goals. The Club introduced me to mentors who supported me through academic challenges and personal growth, helping me discover my passion for advocating for youth. It has shaped who I am today, and I am truly grateful for its impact on my life, preparing me for college and my future career. My Boys & Girls Club is my family.”

How does it feel to represent your Club as Youth of the Year? What does it mean to you? “Being the Youth of the Year representative for my Club feels absolutely phenomenal. I have the opportunity to be the voice of my peers and advocate for the issues that matter most to us. This role means so much to me as it reflects the trust and support my Club has given me throughout my journey. It allows me to raise awareness about challenges youth face, such as mental health and school safety, while promoting positive change. It’s an incredible honor to give back to the Club that has helped shape me, and I am proud to stand as a role model for others.”

Meet Charlaye: Charlaye is a 16-year-old junior at Miller Grove High School and a longtime member of the East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club. She plans to attend Clark Atlanta University to pursue a career in child psychology, with a focus on advocating for the mental and emotional well-being of youth in marginalized communities. Boys & Girls Clubs has been her second family, helping her grow and find her voice, particularly in managing her sickle cell disease. As Youth of the Year, Charlaye is proud to represent her peers and raise awareness on important issues like mental health. She hopes to leave a legacy of youth empowerment and inspire future leaders to pursue their potential with compassion and purpose. 

“My Club has helped me achieve my goals for college, post-secondary education, and my profession in a variety of ways. They have given me numerous opportunities to improve my academic and personal development, such as college prep workshops, tutoring, college fairs, and scholarship application assistance. The Club has also connected me with mentors who have been tremendous in providing offer guidance encouragement, and guidance through the college application process.”