2013 Youth of the Year named

GREAT FUTURES START HERE: EXCEPTIONAL MARSHALL TEEN NAMED BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Ashantra Davis to Now Vie for State Title and Scholarship

Marshall, Texas, January 14, 2014 – Selected among several local outstanding youth, Ashantra Davis will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Texas Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines, 17-year old Ashantra is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. Ashantra will also earn a package from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines that has a value of $3,000. Part of that money will be used to purchase a new outfit for the next round and an Ipad and the balance will go into a CD for her college education.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We had a fantastic competition with four outstanding young ladies. We have been a part of Ashantra’s life since she was little. To see her grow up as a volunteer in this community and represent our Club as the Youth of the Year is just a natural progression for someone of her caliber.” Said Executive Director, Bryan Partee.

Ashantra has been a Club kid for almost 10 years. She is active throughout the Club as a volunteer and serves as President of the Keystone Club. Keystone is a service-oriented, teen leadership program. The Maverick Keystone Club was involved enough to be recognized as a participant in the 2014 Keystone Club Summit in Anaheim, California. Ashantra also attends Childress Deliverance Temple where she sings praise and worship, is involved with the youth, and is a praise dancer.

Ashantra currently attends Marshall High School. She maintains A’s and B’s in school and is the cheerleading manager and the girls’ varsity basketball manager.

If Ashantra wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Southwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2013, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

Top 10 Club

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines in Marshall, Texas is making a difference to the kids in East Texas; now it’s efforts are recognized. At the annual Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines received the prestigious Growth and Impact Award presented to them by BGCA President, Jim Clark.

Each year, the national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, gives out 10  Growth and Impact awards to clubs throughout the world. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines received one of the 10 awards and had the highest growth and impact of any Boys & Girls Club in the Southwest Region. This region includes Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma,  Montana,  Texas,  and Wyoming.

“You always hear about the bigger Boys & Girls Clubs,  New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, serving several thousand kids each day. To be a rural club and recognized by the national offices is an honor. It also really validates to the community, my board of directors, and my  staff that we are changing lives. I am proud of what we are doing not just in Marshall, but Elysian Fields, Hallsville, Jefferson, and Waskom. ” Said Executive Director Bryan Partee.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines currently serves 1,500 kids each day out of 13 sites. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Pines focuses their energies on Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.