Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is BGCA's premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic preformance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The Youth of the Year program is most effective when used as a year-round tool for fostering young people's character, personal growth and leadership qualities. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14-18 who were Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition. State winners participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive an engraved plaque and a $5,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $10,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States. Reader's Digest Foundation has sponsored the Youth of the Year program for more than 50 years.
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2009 Youth of Year: Ian Martin
The Youth of the Year award is based on a Club member’s character, hardwork, honesty, fairness, academic excellence, good citizenship and Club involvement.
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Ian displays an unparalleled degree of leadership skills in many areas of his life. Ian is a strong leader at the U.S. Bank Boys & Girls Club, serving as President of both the Keystone Club and Poetry Club. This leadership has allowed him to become the Club’s spokesperson, and serve as a role model for younger members, which he tutors at the Club. Ian is also involved with Camp Joy, SPCA’s Fine Arts Sampler, and Ceasefire Cincinnati. He serves as a Youth Coordinator at the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church and was asked to participate in Mark Mallory’s Youth Council. Ian shines academically as well and was even the valedictorian of his 8th grade graduating class. Ian hopes to use these skills to go on to college after high school, where he plans to pursue acting and psychology.
Ian’s life has not been free from challenge. Ian was raised in a single parent home, and was exposed to drug and alcohol use from a young age. Despite these negative influences, Ian stayed determined to be a positive role model for his three younger siblings. Ian says he is not upset that he had to become “the man of the household” at such a young age because it has made him who he is today.
His experience at Boys & Girls Clubs has given Ian the skills key to meeting his goals. Ian has shared that when he reaches his goals he will not forget all the Club has done for him, and plans to give back to those who helped him realize his potential to create a better life for himself and other teens like him.
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Congratulations to all of our
2009 Youth of the Year Finalists!
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Youth of the Year Winners from L to R:
- Matthew Darlington, Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County
- David Robinson, LeBlond Club
- Raven Pennington, MSU Club
- Natasha Klass, Buenger Club
- Iassca Jackson, Espy Club
- Ian Martin, U.S. Bank Club
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