Kimberly H. from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta receives $20K college scholarshipand will vie for national title this fall
Atlanta – Sept. 11, 2020 – Selected among nine outstanding finalists from Boys & Girls Clubs across the region, Kimberly H. from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta has been named the Southeast Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. At the virtual Southeast Youth of the Year Celebration event, supported by Toyota, Kimberly was presented with a $20,000 college scholarship.
“I didn’t fully understand the phrase ‘iron sharpens iron’ until I found a community where everyone is always trying to improve,” Kimberly said of her Boys & Girls Club experience. “Just by being a member, I have improved socially and academically. I’ve found another place I can call home. I can feel that my success is just as important to my Boys & Girls Club family as it is to myself.”
On Kimberly’s first day at the Boys & Girls Club, she participated in a poetry activity and was selected to perform both of her submissions. After her performance, Kimberly was encouraged by deafening cheers. She credits this moment with the realization of her voice and her power.
“Being National Youth of the Year would give me the ability to further spread the message that I have been advocating for years,” Kimberly said. “I have always tried to represent the concept of equality and I have always fought for my beliefs. I will advocate for everyone, and I will do everything I can to change our country for the better.”
Kimberly will continue on to contend for the National Youth of the Year title this fall, which comes with an additional $50,000 scholarship, a brand-new Toyota Corolla and the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America representing 4.6 million Club kids and teens.
Founded more than seventy years ago in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Toyota.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,700 Clubs serve over 4.6 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 20+ Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve nearly 2,800 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While it costs thousands of dollars to serve each member, families are only asked to pay between $60 and $135 per child each school year; and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.
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Contact:
Ashley Keyes, (404) 487-5466, akeyes@bgca.org