Selected among several local youth, Williams will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Georgia Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County, 14-year old Jayla is cited by the club officials as "a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community."
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA's premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles.
Williams grew up attending the Club, and attributes a small trophy received for her participation in the softball program to giving her the aspirations to be the outstanding young lady she is today. Eight years ago, she remembers coming to the Club because it was a safe place she could stay after school. New friendships and relationships with staff members quickly developed and Williams soon looked forward to spending her time at the Club. "The staff is always caring and listens when I need someone to talk to. I've started to think of them as if they were my family."
As a young girl, Williams' father played an influential role in her life. At the age of ten, her parents divorced.
"The Boys & Girls Clubs started to mean more to me then," she recalls. Recently, her father passed away.
"With the prayers and words of encouragement from the staff and members, the Boys & Girls Club has helped me through this tough time." She adds "My dad's last words were that he was proud of me. I will strive to continue to make him proud and honor his last words."
Despite her struggles, Williams has done many things of which to be proud. With a 4.0 GPA, Most Valuable Player and Coach's Awards for softball, and serving as the Vice President in the Keystone Club, a program at the Club that promotes community service
If Williams wins the top state award, she will compete for the title of Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program's national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President at the White House.
Other finalists in the Gainesville club's Youth of the Year competition were 17 year old Gabriel Copeland and 16 year old Montavous Cantrell, both from Gainesville High School.
Williams
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