Meet Givaughn Jones
Photo by Duncan Manning |
Although he has been a member at the Blue Hill Club for just three years, Givaughn Jones has made the most of the opportunities the Club has to offer. He can usually be found on the basketball court or socializing with friends in the Teen Center. Like many young men his age, he dreams about playing in the NBA, but knows that few actually make it. He has set realistic goals for himself and focuses on giving a 100% effort.
Givaughn cares deeply about his community and wants to create change. He has performed many hours of community service, including raising money through the Walk for Hunger every year. He dedicates every Saturday to coaching and mentoring younger kids. “Coach Juice,” as he’s called, is a positive role model for peers and younger kids, known for his strong moral character, work ethic and thoughtfulness.
At the Club, he is a member of the teen leadership club, Keystone. The Club staff describe him as respectful, mature, responsible, motivated, hard-working, and a natural leader. He is not one to follow the pack, they say. He also has served as a Junior Staff member at the Club for two years. Initially, he viewed the job simply as a way to earn money, but came to realize that the biggest reward was the relationships he developed with the kids. He began looking forward to coming to the Club every day to see them.
Known for his dedication and discipline, Givaughn strives for excellence in everything he does, especially when it comes to education and basketball. He is a top student at West Roxbury High School, and looks forward to college, where he hopes to play basketball at the Division 1 level.
Givaughn also does whatever he can for his family, from chores around the house, to making sure he is home when he says he will be. Givaughn tries his hardest to make his family proud by doing things that are positive. The Club helps by providing a place he can come to be safe, meet new friends, hang out, play basketball, and turn to the staff for help whenever he needs anything.