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    STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR

    Every Club professional has the power to develop within all members the qualities of sound character, leadership and willingness to serve. These are the qualities that make a Youth of the Year. Established in 1947 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Youth of the Year program develops Club members to be articulate, well-groomed and knowledgeable spokespersons for their Club and community. The program recognizes and celebrates young people’s commitment to public service, academic performance, character, long-term goals and personal challenges. Each year, a panel of judges selects a member of the Boys & Girls Club to represent the Club in State and Regional competitions. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County are proud to announce Kevin Stalker as the state of Florida, Youth of the Year.

    Kevin competed against over 200 kids from various Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state of Florida. “Kevin has hit a few bumps in the road, actually saying that Kevin’s road has been bumpy is an understatement – yet he continues to choose the right path. Through disastrous family life, and anger difficulties, Kevin chose the right path—he IS a Boys & Girls Club kid,” asserts Bill Sadlo, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.

    It is at the Club level that the Youth of the Year program has its greatest impact in developing young people. Those who go on to state, regional and national levels of the program are afforded additional opportunities for personal growth. As a regional finalist, Kevin will compete in Atlanta in June. The four regional winners will have an opportunity to meet President Obama, and the opportunity to compete for National Youth of the Year at a competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives a total of $26,000 in scholarships, and is installed by the President of the United States.

Walmart Bright Spot For Reading

The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading Center features books geared at youth ages 10 to 15 and includes programming to encourage adolescents to read more and develop a more positive attitude toward reading. The following are activities are scheduled for summer: Book Club:  BGCSC youth participants choose books to read and discuss. If the book has been made into a movie, there will be a movie review and book comparison. Library Visits: Participants will visit the local library once a week, apply for a library card and be given time to explore the library and check out books. Game Night: Provide teens with board games, cards, charades and more. Refreshments are also made available. Spoken Word: An “open mic” night setting will give youth an opportunity to show off their literary skills through poetry, rap and monologues.Tackling the Issues: Special forums where specific issues such as bullying, racism and online safety will be discussed. These forums will provide a safe and open venue where teens can be informed and learn important tips that will help them in today’s society.