Meet the Candidates
The Youth of the Year program honors and celebrates Central Georgia’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year the leading program for leadership and recognition for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for our community. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia’s Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for the Club youth as well as a voice for them. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Clubs mission and are proof of the impact our Clubs make in transforming and uplifting kids’ lives.
This year we have 4 amazing candidates in the running for our Youth of the Year Program. Let’s meet the candidates!
JOE’QUAVIAN YOUNG
Joe’Quavian is a junior at Northside High School where his favorite subject is math. He’s been attending our Warner Robins Unit since he was 10 years old. He likes to destress by playing basketball with his friends. One of his favorite things about the Club experience is having the extra support from his friends and Club Director. The Boys & Girls Clubs have been a source of light for Joe’Quavian, a positive place to grow and learn.
“I will be the best version of me that I can be.”
This quote from Joe’Quavian reflects the positive impact the Boys & Girls Clubs have had on him and the role model that Joe’Quavian has turned into.
To support Joe’Quavian and young people like him watch our Youth of the Year virtual event!
ALIAYAH SIMMONS
Aliayah is a senior at Central High School where she is a part of the International Baccalaureate program. Dedicated and hardworking, she is a member of her school’s Student Council, Sources of Strength, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and many other clubs and organizations. Aliayah has been a member of our Murphy-Felton Tindall Unit for 11 years. The Club experience is something that she is truly grateful for.
“Thanks to my Boys and Girls Club I felt that I had a second family where I felt supported and loved.”
Despite trials and obstacles that she’s faced, Aliayah has an optimism that touches everyone she meets. Her positive attitude, along with her courage makes her a wonderful leader.
To support Aliayah and young people like her watch our Youth of the Year virtual event!
Kevin Jackson
Kevin is a junior at Southwest High School where his favorite class to be in is Math. Among Math, Kevin also has a love of film and videography. This is an interest he discovered in our Carl D. Thomas Unit; little did he know it would turn into a career choice. After graduation, Kevin wants to keep pursuing film and videography at SCAD University.
“My experience at the Boys and Girls Clubs has been nothing but an endless hall of open-doors and opportunities.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia is all about providing equal opportunities for all young people. However, it’s what the youth do with those opportunities that set them apart. As Kevin would tell you, great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs.
To support Kevin and young people like him watch our Youth of the Year virtual event!
April Williams
April is a junior at Mary Persons High School, her favorite class to be in is History. At the Club, April found her voice, in more ways than one. From shy to outspoken and from quiet to chorus singer, she grew. April discovered the support system she needed at our Forsyth-Monroe County Unit, a family she is grateful for.
“My Club experience showed me that no matter what obstacles come, I can overcome them and get better in every way.”
April’s story is a testament to what some extra support can do. April claimed her voice and with it she shares her story. The Club experience is unique to every single boy and girl that comes through our doors, but the outcome is always the same. Great Futures Start Here.
To support April and young people like her watch our Youth of the Year virtual event!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia’s Youth of the Year virtual event will be held Thursday, January 27th, 2022, at 6PM. We will have Keynote Speaker, WWE Star, Titus O’Neil and musical guest, Damien Horne. 13WMAZ’s very own Wanya Reese and Courteney Jacobazzi will be hosting the event.
All four of our candidates have powerful stories that show just how much the Club experience has impacted them. Watch our virtual Youth of the Year event to hear about how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia changed the lives of these young people.