Three finalists have been named for this year's Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier "Youth of the Year" award.
They are Dionte Daniel, Jonlyn Forest, and Jaiyah Stringer.
They will be judged based on written essays, personal interviews, public speaking, along with "demonstrated leadership, character, community service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles," according to a Boys & Girls Club news release.
The winner, who will compete for a $5,000 scholarship and state honors, will be announced Feb. 19 at a luncheon at the Fair Street Neighborhood Center in Gainesville. State winners are eligible to continue to Regional and National competitions.
ABOUT THE FINALISTS:
*Dionte Daniel is a 17-yr.old Senior at Gainesville High School. He has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier for 10 years. He characterizes himself as caring and hard-working and participates in the Keystone Club teen leadership program. He is active with HOSA, Health Occupations club at Gainesville High School and is involved with his church where he participates in community outreach to the homeless through Care Ministry.Daniel is planning on attending Georgia State University and pursuing a career as a Sports Commentator.
*Jonlyn Forest is a 15-yr.old Sophomore at Gainesville High School. She has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs for 7 years. She was named “Student of the Month” in September 2019. Forest has logged more than 100 volunteer hours in the past 12 months. She is the Keystone Leadership Club President and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Captain. Forest intends to become a Cardiac-Thoracic Surgeon and attend Xavier University.
*Jaiyah Stringer is a 15-yr.old Freshman at Gainesville High School. She has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs for 7 years. Stringer has taken all honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes since starting Gainesville High School, is active in GHS band and is an A+B Honor Roll recipient with a 3.86 GPA. She serves as Keystone Leadership Club Secretary. Stringer would like to attend Savannah State University and pursue a career as a Social Worker.
JUDGES
Dr. Wiley Black; Walter Boomershine, retired; Bob and Charlotte Copper; Michele Piucci, Peach State Bank; LeAnne Richardson, Keller Williams; Bob Swoszowski, McDonald's of Northeast Georgia; Philip Wilheit, Wilheit Packaging; John Wright, Fieldale Farms.
