Meet Michael: Youth of the Year for John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club

Michael

Club membership: 3 years

Post-Secondary/Career Interest: “I want to attend a four-year college to major in Business Management, Marketing, and Economics. I also hope to earn a scholarship for athletics in either basketball or track.”

Why is your Boys & Girls Club important to you? “My Boys and Girls Club is important because it gives kids opportunities and opens their minds to new experiences. For me specifically, it has helped me come out of my quiet shell, improve my social skills, and create more opportunities for the success I hope to achieve.”

How does it feel to represent your Club as Youth of the Year? What does it mean to you? “It feels great to represent my club as Youth of the Year, especially since I’ve been a highly anticipated candidate since I arrived, based on my character and values. This opportunity means a lot to me because I can finally follow through without feeling scared or stressed.”

Meet Michael: Michael is a 17-year-old junior at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate and a two-year member of the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club. He plans to attend a four-year college to major in business management, marketing, or economics while pursuing a scholarship in basketball or track. Mike credits the Club for helping him gain confidence, improve his social skills, and explore new opportunities. Representing his Club as Youth of the Year is a proud moment for him, and he hopes to inspire others by continuing the legacy of those who came before him. 

“My Club has brought mentors and alumni from all across Georgia to introduce me to new ideas and potential professions and post-secondary options. My Club has also helped by taking me to some of these places to see these things in person and in action which is really helpful and has a big impact on my decision making.”