Special Edition: Youth of the Year
Volume 3 | Number 2 | May 2011
In This Issue:
Message from the CEO BGCB YOY: Michael Creese
Blue Hill Club YOY: Michon Joseph Charlestown Club YOY: Quinlan Locke
Jordan Club YOY: Anthony Norman
South Boston Club YOY: Ashley Dare
Josh Kraft Nicholas President and CEO |
Message from the CEO
IN THE NEWSDVR ALERT! May 7 WCVB Ch. 5 11:35 PM Tune in to see Josh Kraft featured as the "Power Player" on styleboston. Boston Common Magazine Board Director and House Party Committee member Elena Matlack featured in "Love Story." |
Dear Friends,
I am so proud to introduce you to BGCB's 2011 “Youths of the Year.” These five young people from our free-standing Clubs have overcome tremendous challenges in their young lives — whether it has been bullying, family instability, financial need, academic challenges, or childhood obesity — all while leading their peers in Keystone Club, BGCB's teen leadership program.
As we celebrate our 2011 theme of “Legacy of Leadership,” I can’t think of a more powerful example of leadership than these teens. They are positive leaders and role models not only for their peers, but also for the Club staff, community partners, volunteers and donors who support them each day.
I hope you’ll take a moment to read these stories. I guarantee it they will move you. If you are inspired, please consider supporting the more than 14,000 youth we serve each year by clicking on the “Donate Now” button above.
Thank you for your continued support, which makes stories like these possible.
Follow @joshkraft on Twitter!
BGCB Youth of the Year Michael Creese, age 18, Yawkey Club of Roxbury |
Michael Creese chose a healthy lifestyle thanks to the Club
At a peak weight of almost 300 pounds by his sophomore year of high school, BGCB Youth of the Year Michael Creese had to choose, in his own words, "between losing weight or a premature death." He says, "The supportive staff at the Boys & Girls Club pushed me, and the majority of my weight loss was due to practicing in the Yawkey Club of Roxbury pool. In order to bring change to others you must bring change to yourself."
Michon Joseph, age 18, Blue Hill Club Youth of the Year |
Michon Joseph is dedicated to her family and the Club
When Michon Joseph's parents separated two years ago, she stepped up to take over her father's chores around the house, helped guide her younger sister through the difficult transition, and supported her mother by staying positive. She credits the Club staff with helping her through this hard time.
Quinlan Locke, age 18, Charlestown Club Youth of the Year |
Quinlan Locke considers giving back his hobby
"This community, like many others, is challenged with poverty, drug addiction and crime," said Charlestown Club Youth of the Year Quinlan Locke. "While peer pressures loomed, I kept busy, focused and out of trouble. I was committed to making my parents proud by being the first to go to college."
Anthony Norman, age 18, Jordan Club Youth of the Year |
Anthony Norman hopes to become a thoracic surgeon
"The anxiety that comes with job insecurity is one that has taken a toll on our family," Jordan Club Youth of the Year Anthony Norman explained. "Having experienced this, I am determined to achieve the highest education I possibly can, my doctorate, and have a career that will offer financial stability and security to my family in the future."
Ashley Dare, age 18, South Boston Club Youth of the Year |
The Club is a second home for Ashley Dare
"I have always had family problems growing up," said South Boston Club Youth of the Year Ashley Dare. "I lived in the projects and really had nothing. When I went to the Club they had everything I needed, and somehow I would always leave with a smile on my face."
