Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs’ signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.
In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.
A proud legacy of more than 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth of the Year program recognizes Club members who, with the help of their Club, have met personal challenges head-on and, despite the odds, have given back to their Club and community. Used as a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership, these members have demonstrated service to their Club, community and family; proven academic success; strong moral character; life goals, poise and public speaking abilities.
You may recognize him as the emcee for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Great Futures Galas, but Jehlin has been a Club member since he was just four years old. He is passionate about helping his community, from serving meals to families in need after the devastating 2020 tornadoes to proposing a park before the Nashville Civic Design Committee as a young ambassador. Jehlin was also named one of Nashville’s Top 20 Under 20 by My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative of the Obama Foundation. “My favorite Club moment was being able to host the galas, and being able to be different while younger building Legos daily in my own space created by Ms. LaQuinta.” In addition to his leadership in his Club, Jehlin serves on Student Council, the Black Student Union, Student Ambassadors, and he has been nominated for Homecoming Prince. Jehlin is also a drummer, singer, baseball player, and part of the media club at school. After high school, he plans to attend Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia to study Landscape Architecture and Music.
Gabrielle has been a Club member since 2012 when she joined in 5th grade. Her favorite part of being in Boys & Girls Clubs is helping younger members with their homework and leading SMART Girls alongside Club staff. Fun Fact: her sister, Tzipora, was BGCMT’s 2019 Youth of the Year!
Gabrielle plans to attend the University of Memphis to pursue a degree in nursing, just like her older sister. You’ll recall, Tzipora is the first in her family to attend college. Gabrielle is excited to follow her lead!
BGCMT 2019 Youth of the Year Tzipora was named the Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee. She received a $5,000 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a $10,000 scholarship from the Tennessee Titans. Tzipora plans to study nursing at the University of Memphis. Congratulations, Tzipora!
Arrionna is a junior at Centennial High School where she is a cheerleader and has aspirations of becoming a pediatrician.
“Last year, as a sophomore, all of my assignments were online, and I did not have internet access at my home,” expressed Arrionna. She was struggling to complete her assignments, and her grades were suffering to the point of potentially not passing to the next grade. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Arrionna had computers and internet access to complete her assignments as well as a tutor to help her catch up and stay on track for graduation.
Now, Arrionna is staying focused on graduation and applying for colleges. “My Boys & Girls Club got me back on the right track and helped me finish strong.” She is confident that she can now obtain her goals. Arrionna is a great representation of our Club mission and members as they grow into successful, productive citizens of Middle Tennessee. Congratulations, Arrionna!
Congratulations to Destini: 2017 Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee's Youth of the Year and Fairview Club Youth of the Year!
Jazsmin is a current senior at Franklin High School and has been a member of our Franklin Club for 8 years. She serves as a Keystone Member and Volunteer Junior Staff, helping pave the way for younger members to build their own great futures. Her favorite moment as a Club member is attending the 2015 Taco Bell College Tour.
Outside of school, Jazsmin is a member of the African-American Awareness Club, 11 GenAway, National Honor Society, DECA, Youth Choir, Dance & Mime Team, & Youth Leaders. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Memphis, majoring in Childhood Psychology. Congratulations, Jazsmin, our 2016 Franklin Club Youth of the Year and Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee’s Youth of the Year!
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