YOUTH OF THE YEAR

The Youth of the Year program, which has been nationally sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation for 58 years, recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club; academic excellence; as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

Javar McKizzie, age 17, has been selected as the 2007 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.   Sponsored by The Reader’s Digest Foundation and administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the national program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, spiritual values, obstacles overcome and outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community.

A five-year member of the Mount Airy Boys & Girls Club, Javar stands out among his peers because he is a leader who leads by example and demonstrates integrity, respect and self-discipline.  He is an active member of the Keystone Club, a teen leadership group that focuses on service through community projects and learning.  As the eldest of four children, Javar grew up feeling the responsibility to set a good example for his three younger sisters.  He has proven himself to be a positive role model for them, overcoming many obstacles in life to succeed at school and in the Clubs.

“The Boys & Girls Club is not only a place I go to have fun, but a place that taught me to have self-respect, be considerate of others, and take responsibility for my actions.” said McKizzie.  “The Club is a safe environment that not only encourages me to be myself, but encourages me to interact with other peers.  The programs and staff give me the courage and determination to push myself and achieve any goal.”