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| Celebrating Excellence YOY finalists inspire and achieve  Jarvis McInnis, 2005-2006 National YOYEven though Hurricane Katrina had just destroyed three of his Boys & Girls Club organization's seven sites and demolished the administrative office, Jarvis McInnis had a mission – travel to Washington, D.C., and represent his Club in the National Youth of the Year competition. Following a rigorous judging process, Jarvis, a 10-year member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Miss., was selected as Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2005-2006 National Youth of the Year Sept. 21, bringing a moment of much needed joy to the battered region. Jarvis overcame a speech impediment to use his gift of voice for more than mere dialogue. Motivational speaking and singing have equipped him with the ability to touch many lives. At his Club, he was known for his leadership as a youth mentor, tutor and instructor of the youth choir. Jarvis also taught his peers about the risks associated with premature sexual activity and the importance of nonviolence. In high school, Jarvis used his charisma and passion to launch a choral program, and was also elected student body president. He graduated with a 4.2 GPA and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. Currently a freshman at Tougaloo College in Mississippi, Jarvis plans to pursue a degree in political science, followed by a law degree, on his way to realizing his ultimate dream: to become President of the United States. 
Jazelle Hunt – Northeast YOYJazelle Hunt is not your typical teen. She entered high school at 13 and graduated at 16. The oldest of four siblings, she manages many tasks, taking care of her sisters and maintaining high academic standards, along with a hectic extracurricular schedule. Jazelle participated in a variety of programs during her tenure at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County in Jersey City, N.J. She also worked at the Hot Dog Stand, a mini-business run by Club teens engaged in entrepreneurial learning. Jazelle's many volunteer activities in her community include helping senior citizens during the holiday season and organizing anti-violence walks. She wrote for the student newspaper and represented her high school on the Superintendent's Citywide Student Council. Jazelle won numerous awards for both her writing and her athletic ability in track. She is currently pursuing a degree in journalism at Howard University in Washington, D.C. 
Paris Echoles – Midwest YOYParis Echoles was only 3 when his father died, but he never lost hope – or his desire to overcome the odds. At age 6, Paris began attending the Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs in Beloit, Wis., where he learned the importance of education and responsibility. He also coached basketball and other athletic activities, teaching younger members the value of self-esteem and sportsmanship. As an active member of his community, he serves meals to those in need and tutors elementary school students. Basketball and football have played key roles in Paris' daily life. But while his athletic talents have earned him many notable awards and distinctions, he credits education with being the most vital component of his school life. He graduated high school with a 3.8 GPA, and belonged to both the National Honor Society and the Minority Excellence in Education Organization. Currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Paris plans to become an athletic director. 
Ashley Echavarria – Southwest YOYAshley Echavarria accepts change with strength and determination. Following her parents' divorce, she had to adjust to living in a single-parent household and deal with feelings about her father remarrying and starting a new family. Although these changes were difficult, Ashley has embraced her new family and credits the experience with helping her become the independent person she is today. As a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad in New Mexico, Ashley tutored kids in the library and coached indoor soccer. She also presided over the Keystone Club, and was a junior advisor to the Torch Club and SMART Girls mentor. In addition, Ashley served her community by participating in clean-ups and awareness presentations on underage drinking. An excellent student, Ashley graduated with a 4.4 GPA, and was student body president and editor-in-chief of the yearbook. She is in her first year at Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, with plans to pursue a degree in visual communications and public relations. 
Chantel Sanchez – Pacific YOYChantel Sanchez has overcome many obstacles in her short life. When she was young, her family lived in an area of town that made battling drug and alcohol addiction impossible. Although the family had limited funds, her mother moved them to another part of town, where they flourished. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, Chantel participated in a number of activities, and started a dance group and a cheerleading team. In her community, Chantel assisted at local food banks and prepared gift packages for U.S. military personnel. Chantel served as vice president of her high school's student council, and was a cheerleader and member of the marching band. Chantel's busy life was interrupted her sophomore year when doctors discovered a large tumor in her abdomen. Although this was a difficult time, she underwent successful surgery and returned to her normal activities. Currently a freshman at Arizona State University in Tempe, Chantel plans to become an Air Force physician.
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