BGCP Competes in Youth of the Year

Earlier this month, sixteen-year-old Alex R, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau since Kindergarten, traveled to Raleigh to represent BGCP at the state Youth of the Year event. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration, where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson.

Alex was selected to represent BGCP due to his strong leadership qualities. He embodies the mission of the Boys & Girls Club and serves as a testament to the transformative effect the Club has on children's lives. As part of the competition, Alex was required to write and submit three essays, one of which highlighted his personal experiences at the Club.

Here is what Alex shared about his time at BGCP:

“The first day I went to the Boys & Girls Club was when I was in kindergarten; that day changed my life for the better. I have been there for 11 years, and over those years, I have learned valuable life lessons and how to become a better person for my future. The life lessons that I have learned at the Boys & Girls Club will stick with me for the rest of my life.

The experience I have had at the Boys & Girls Club has shaped me into a better person, a better friend, more social, and to have better skills. The memories and life skills that I have learned from the Boys & Girls Club will stick with me for the rest of my life. I would like to thank my counselors that I had over the years, the friends that I made, and the friends that I will make in the future.”  

Congratulations, Alex, on competing in Youth of the Year! We are so proud of you! Your dedication and passion have genuinely set you apart, and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the future. Keep aiming high and inspiring those around you with your incredible spirit and determination.