BGCA's Youth of the Year:  The Best of the Best!

Read new profiles each week of Boys & Girls Club Youths of the Year from all 50 states and U.S. military bases abroad, chosen for academic excellence and service to home, Club and community. Join Boys & Girls Clubs of America in celebrating A Legacy of Hope & Opportunity throughout 2007: this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Youth of the Year program.

Grayson Martin
Alabama

Grayson Martin, an 11-year member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Wiregrass, has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of Alabama by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). In addition to winning this prestigious title, Grayson will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation. He is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country who join Boys & Girls Clubs of America in celebrating A Legacy of Hope & Opportunity during the 60th anniversary of the program.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

“The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation. “For 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Grayson Martin, for their dedication to their families, Club and community, and for helping them achieve their academic and career goals.”

Grayson Martin has faced some great challenges this past year, starting with a health challenge: after medical tests, he was found to have a brain tumor. Despite this crisis, Grayson never missed one day of school or work at his Boys & Girls Club, except for the days he had medical tests, surgery or was recovering. Grayson was determined to stay busy, stay active and contribute to the Club, which he often refers to as his “second family.”

Grayson joined the Club at age 6. Through the years, he has participated in many programs and activities, including the basketball team, Torch Club (a group for pre-teens that focuses on leadership and community service), tutoring and Junior Staff Career Development. He also volunteered for seven weekends this year to help open a new Boys & Girls Club when an abandoned building in his community was donated for that purpose.

Grayson’s commitment to his community was very evident when a tornado struck in his Club’s service area on March 1, 2007. Despite 68 staples across his scalp from surgery a week earlier, Grayson pitched in to help with community storm clean-up. He worked to clear out neighborhoods of storm debris and help strangers get their lives back on track. His persistence was truly amazing and inspiring.

At Dothan High School, Grayson maintains a 3.7 GPA. Before his brain surgery, he held a 4.0 GPA, and he’s working hard to regain this ranking. Academically, Grayson takes honors classes in almost every subject. He also is a member of the National Honor Society, the marching band, the symphonic band and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In addition, he serves as manager of the varsity basketball team.

Upon graduation in May 2008, Grayson plans to attend the University of Alabama or Auburn University and pursue a career in either social services or public relations.

“Grayson Martin and all Youth of the Year nominees offer proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA. “We are thankful to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their longtime support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members reach their goals.”

This summer, Grayson will compete against other youth from states in BGCA’s Southeast Region. If named regional winner, he will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office.

As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million towards BGCA, and 60 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.8 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.