The Shining Stars Gala highlights Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia's most esteemed members - our Youth of the Year.
Darrell Bell
|
Martisha Hardy
|
Wayne Mullins
|
Christopher Patterson
|
Jasmine Ross
|
Nicole Marie Schmidt
|
Donald Travers
|
Jahlil Williams
|
John Yoak
|
Citywide Winner
Martisha Hardy
Wissahickon Boys & Girls Club
A three-year member of the Wissahickon Club, Martisha is a senior at the Academy at Palumbo and a member of the first graduating class. Martisha first became involved as a junior counselor in the Club's summer camp program and she now holds the title of Vice President of the Keystone Club. At school, she writes for the newspaper and is responsible for public relations for the step squad. In the fall, Martisha will be attending Kutztown University, where she will study psychology. "I know there is always someone I can turn to at the Club if I need to talk about something. I know I can call on the staff at any time, day or night and even on the weekends," says Martisha.
Citywide Runner-Up
John Yoak
Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club
John is a senior at Northeast Catholic High School and a nine-year member of the Bridesburg Club. At Bridesburg, he is a member of the Keystone Club and recently assisted with national Keystone project, Blankets for Babies. He also mentors the younger kids in the weight room. John is a standout student-athlete at school, participating in the football and lacrosse programs along with serving on the Student Government Association. John hopes to attend Penn State, join the Navy and eventually return to serve his community as a Philadelphia police officer. "The Club means a lot to me because it is like family," says John.
Nia Miles, a member of the Nicetown Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, has been named the 2009 Youth of the Year representing Philadelphia. Nia will receive a $1,000 scholarship for college and will represent Philadelphia at the State Youth of the Year competition in Harrisburg. Sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation and administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, this national program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome and outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community. This year's local winners were honored at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia Shining Stars Gala on March 7 at the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park.
A senior at Philadelphia High School for Girls, Lady Ashley Byrd, has been a member at the Nicetown Boys & Girls Club for 3 years. Lady Ashley is an aspiring journalist and wants to travel the world. She expresses herself through poetry and has been published in her school's newspaper.
Congratulations Lady Ashley!
April 18th, at the Union League of Philadelphia, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia announced Amber Glenn as their 2007 Youth of the Year during a celebratory dinner recognizing the year's Oustanding Young Men and Women of Boys & Girls Clubs.
Amber, a senior at Girls' High, is active in her Club, her school and her community. A junior staff member at Germantown Boys & Girls Club, Amber monitors 3rd and 4th graders during Power Hour, assists during recreation time, and welcomes members and visitors at the front door of the Club. She is also an active member of the Germantown Keystone Club, and enjoys singing and dance performance, both of which she displayed at the "Touching a Life" Gala last month. Amber plans to attend University of Maryland Eastern Shore in fall 2007.
Amber received a $1,000 scholarship for college and will be BGCP's representative at the State Youth of the Year competition in Harrisburg, May 7th and 8th, 2007. She has a chance of winning more college scholarship funds as she advances to the next level of competition.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia also selected an outstanding Young Man of the Year, William Lawrence, from Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club. A junior at Cardinal Dougherty High School, Billy posts a stellar academic record in addition to broad community involvement. Participating in causes like the Hibernian Hunger Project, the Alzheimer's Memory Walk, and the Alhambra organization, Billy has emerged as a teen leader in the Bridesburg community. After graduating in 2008, he plans to build and focus his leadership skills at Temple University, studying both education and business.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |