Boys & Girls Club names its Youth of the Year

Jonlyn Forest was named the Youth of the Year last week by Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, the highest honor a club member has receive.

Jonlyn is a 15-year-old sophomore at Gainesville High School. She has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs for seven years. And she has logged more than 100 volunteer hours in the past 12 months.  

“We are very proud of Jonlyn. She is a role model for our younger members and an asset to our community,” said Steven Mickens, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier CEO.  

Jonlyn will go on to contend for the Georgia Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

Other finalists for the Youth of the Year were Dionte Daniel, a 17-year-old senior, and Jaiyah Stringer, a 15-year-old freshman, both from Gainesville High School.

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. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs, the club said in a news release.

The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 73rd year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

If Jonlyn wins at the state competition, she will compete for the Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2020, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000.

Locally, The Youth of the Year recognition program is sponsored by a grant from the Clipper Petroleum Foundation.

Jonlyn Forest (center) was named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier. With her is CEO Steven Mickens (left) and Duane Hinshaw, a former executive with Boys & Girls Club.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/2/878907/boys-girls-club-names-its-youth-of-the-year