Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Names 2022 Youth of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida announced their 2022 Youth of the Year winners who represent the positive voice and spirit of hope for Northeast Florida.
Youth of the Year winners shown from left are: Lauren M., 2022 Youth of the Year Elementary School Winner from the Annie R. Morgan Boys & Girls Club; Laniya F., 2022 Youth of the Year High School Winner from the Edward H. White Teen Center Boys & Girls Club; Descover R., 2022 Youth of the Year Middle School Winner from the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club; and Kennadi N., 2022 Youth of the Year Elementary School Winner from the Jacksonville Heights Elementary School Boys & Girls Club.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida named Laniya F., a senior at Edward H. White High School, as the organization’s 2022 Youth of the Year which is the highest honor any Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The organization also named Descover R. as the Middle School Youth of the Year and Lauren M. and Kennadi N. as the Elementary Youths of the Year.
Each year, all 38 Clubs that make up Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida nominate up to three Youth of the Year candidates for elementary school, middle school and high school categories. These Youth of the Year nominees represent their Boys & Girls Club in this competition, celebrating Club members’ academic achievements, leadership abilities and communication skills.
The rigorous selection process includes public speaking, personal essays and panel interviews with Youth of the Year Judges who select the most qualified finalist to serve as a role model, ambassador and spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs and their members.
This year’s nominees have worked tirelessly over the past few months and represent the positive voice and spirit of hope for Northeast Florida.
Laniya F., 2022 Youth of the Year High School Winner from the Edward H. White Teen Center Boys & Girls Club
Overcoming The Past by Creating Great Futures
“Boys and Girls Clubs have always done a great job of helping students blossom into their full potential. The staff, students and visitors helped me better develop my inner leader, my inner guide, my inner mentor and my confidence.”
“I built a relationship with the staff, who all made us feel involved and safe. They all made sure we were participating in something we liked, whether it be music, gaming, athletics, cosmetology and more. We constantly had visitors talking to us, offering many opportunities about colleges and career choices for those who don’t plan to go to college. We also had group talks about relationships, how we treat our peers, what we wanted to do in the Club, and how we felt about certain events that took place.”
“Many of us endured the struggles of poverty, neglect, abuse and a not so good upbringing, giving most of the student body something to relate to. I personally went through the struggle of poverty, but the Boys and Girls Club helped to build my confidence and helped me to realize there was no time for dwelling in our past but creating our future.”
– Laniya F., 2022 Youth of the Year High School Winner from the Edward H. White Teen Center Boys & Girls Club.
Descover R., 2022 Youth of the Year Middle School Winner from the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club
Personal Growth & A Place to Belong
“Once I started going to the Boys & Girls Club a lot has changed. I was less angry at times and was easily able to diffuse my anger. I am more mindful about what I say or do to my peers. At the Boys & Girls Club we are taught right from wrong and how to treat one another. I learned to let go of grudges and to forgive people.”
“Finally, the Boys & Girls Club has shown me a lot of love and comfort, and I have grown as a person and a friend. The Boys & Girls Club will always have a special place in my heart and childhood.”
– Descover R., 2022 Youth of the Year Middle School Winner from the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club.
Lauren M., 2022 Youth of the Year Elementary School Winner from the Annie R. Morgan Boys & Girls Club, shown with Boys & Girls Clubs Unit Director Toshaina Major and Annie R. Morgan Elementary School Principal Tiffany Fullwood.
Career Preparation & Leadership Development
“During my 5 years at the Boys & Girls Club, I’ve realized the program keeps me safe, they feed me, and I have a lot of fun every day. I make good grades in school because they help me with my homework, by giving me the additional help I need. Whenever I need someone to talk to, they always listen, and they care.”
“I enjoy different programs like Smart Girls where we talk about self-esteem and self-care. During Career Launch we learn about public speaking and our future occupations to prepare for what we may want to do in the future after college. As a young leader in my Club, I look forward to coming out of my shyness and being a strong leader in my school and community.”
– Lauren M., 2022 Youth of the Year Elementary School Winner from the Annie R. Morgan Boys & Girls Club.
Kennadi N., 2022 Youth of the Year Elementary School Winner from the Jacksonville Heights Elementary School Boys & Girls Club, shown with Boys & Girls Clubs Area Director Regina Hodges.
Inspired to Realize My Full Potential
“Imagine a program that allows kids to be the best version of themselves. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is that program. This program means so much to me because I get extra support, it allows me to have fun, and it helps me to make new friends. This program gave me the extra support that I needed to be the best student I can be academically.”
“The Club has also allowed me to make new friends like Mariah. This relationship was formed and grew because of the Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club is more than a program, it is a home. The Boys and Girls Club has inspired me to do great things and realize my full potential.”
– Kennadi N., 2022 Youth of the Year Elementary School Winner from the Jacksonville Heights Boys & Girls Club.
The 2022 Youth of the Year program is made possible through the support of the following sponsors: VyStar Credit Union, Care Connect+, Flagler Health+, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and Whataburger.
For 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 38 Clubs serve more than 3,500 young people each day in Duval, St. Johns and Alachua counties.
Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer.
lub programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org.