YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Sahmad Nakumbe, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of Minnesota by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).  In addition to winning this prestigious title, Nakumbe will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.  In addition, he was also awarded the Home Team Scholarship.  This inaugural scholarship was given out by FSN North and the professional sports teams of the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Vikings organizations.  Nakumbe is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.  This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

“The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation.  “For over 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Sahmad Nakumbe, for their dedication to their families, Club, community, and their academic and career goals.”

A member of the Westside Boys & Girls Club, Nakumbe stands out among his peers.  During difficult times for his family, he remained positive and never gave up hope.  His high moral character and desire to contribute to the community provides a model for others.  He is currently a junior at Humboldt Senior High School and in addition to being an outstanding student, he has lettered in football, swimming, baseball and wrestling.  Upon graduation in 2010, Nakumbe hopes to attend Norte Dame and study Kinesiology or Sports Medicine and be the first person in his family to attend college.  He is also a very active member of the Keystone Club, a teen leadership group that focuses on service through community projects and learning.  He has proven himself by overcoming many obstacles in life to succeed at school, in his community and in the Clubs.

“The Boys & Girls Club is such an important part of my life”, said Nakumbe.  “I have learned that I can make a difference by offering my time and support to others.  The programs and staff give me the courage and support I need to achieve any goal.”

 “Sahmad and all the Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA.  “We are most appreciative to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members attain their goals.”

This summer, Nakumbe will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Midwest Region.  If named regional winner, he will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington.  The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President George W.  Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office.

As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million towards BGCA, and 61 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year.  For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.bgca.org/yoy