Meet Lyra: Youth of the Year for A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club

Club membership: Joined in 2019

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: To attend Georgia State as a biology major and become a pediatric psychiatrist.

How has your Club supported your goals for college, post-secondary education, and career? My Club has supported my college, education, and career goals by helping me develop the confidence, leadership skills, and sense of purpose I need to succeed beyond high school. Through leadership programs, mentorship, and opportunities to serve others, I have learned how to communicate, advocate for myself, and take responsibility for the people around me. My experiences at the Club have also strengthened my passion for helping young people, especially when it comes to mental health and emotional well-being. They have inspired me to pursue higher education and a career where I can advocate for children and adolescents and help them feel heard and supported.

Why is it important for the youth to use their voice in today’s society? It’s important because we are not just the future, we are part of the present. The decisions being made today will directly affect our lives, our communities, and the generations that come after us. If we do not speak up about the issues that matter to us, someone else will speak for us. Using our voices allows us to advocate for change, share experiences that adults may not always understand, and bring new perspectives to important conversations. Whether it is speaking up about mental health, education, inequality, or the needs of younger generations, our voices have the power to start conversations and inspire action.

Short Bio: Lyra is a 16-year-old senior who credits Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta with helping her overcome the challenge of finding her voice and believing she mattered. When she first joined the Club, she was very quiet and struggled to feel like she belonged. Through their support, she was given opportunities to participate in leadership programs, build relationships, and step outside her comfort zone. Programs like Keystone and Torch Club helped her become more confident.