Overcoming Adversity YOY finalists are exceptional role models By Adina Neufeld Since 1947, the National Youth of the Year program has honored exceptional Boys & Girls Club members for outstanding achievement. Sponsored by The Reader’s Digest Foundation, Youth of the Year recognizes young people for service to Club and community, academic performance, and contributions to family and moral life. Following local, state and regional competitions, the five regional winners meet in Washington, D.C., to compete for the national title. This year's National Youth of the Year winner is Thomas "TJ" Rancour of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County, Mich. After a final round of rigorous interviews, TJ was awarded the title on Sept. 22 at the annual Congressional Breakfast. TJ will receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation, which also gave him $5,000 for earning the Midwest regional title. Judges for the event were: John Libonati, senior vice president, government & public affairs, Owens Corning; Lawanda Jones, 1994 National Youth of the Year; Angie Cannon, senior editor, U.S. News & World Report; Ambassador George Haley; and Sari Horwitz, reporter for The Washington Post. THOMAS "TJ" RANCOUR - National (Midwest) YOY Winner TJ Rancour has dealt with adversity his entire life. His parents divorced when he was a toddler, and he was raised by his mother and other family members. After his mom was diagnosed with a debilitating disease, TJ struggled to get through each day, fueling his sadness and low self-esteem with food. At the beginning of ninth grade – and weighing close to 230 pounds – TJ decided to do something. With support from his family and the Boys & Girls Club of Bay County, Mich., he shed 80 pounds in just over a year’s time by working out in the Club’s gym, running and playing basketball. Determination even helped him score a spot on the high school varsity basketball team, a position he’s held since his sophomore year. Most importantly, TJ became an advocate for healthy lifestyles, coaching younger Club members in flag football, soccer and wrestling. "The Club was my sanctuary when my mother was diagnosed with dysplasia, a cancerous disease that attacks the cells of your body," recalls TJ. "It was a place that allowed me to relieve stress and reform my own life, renew my confidence and ultimately lose weight. I could never have done this without the Boys & Girls Club as part of my life." An eight-year member, TJ has served as president of the Keystone Club (a leadership development group for young people ages 14-18), mentored kids through the Club's Power Hour tutoring program and facilitated Club members' participation in community service events. At Pinconning Area High School, he maintains a 3.7 grade point average while taking advanced placement classes and is a member of the National Honor Society. Following graduation, TJ plans to attend the Air Force Academy and pursue a career as a pilot. National Youth of the Year: TJ Rancour | Regional Winners back to top