OUR 2007-08 YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNERS

Five regional winners converged on Washington, D.C., last September in hopes of winning Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2007-08 National Youth of the Year title. After a rigorous judging process on the local, state and regional levels, Demetrice Tuttle of the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Georgia received the highest honor BGCA can confer on a Club member.

As National Youth of the Year, Demetrice will be BGCA’s teen spokesperson for the next year and travel the country as an ambassador for Clubs. He will also receive more than $26,000 in college scholarships, courtesy of Reader’s Digest. (Regional finalists were awarded $11,000 in scholarships.)

During the weeklong National Youth of the Year celebration, the five finalists explored Washington, D.C., visiting a Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids event and meeting congressional leaders. They also received President’s Volunteer Service awards for their generous community involvement. The highlight? A visit to the White House, where President Bush greeted and congratulated our finalists in the Oval Office.

DEMETRICE TUTTLE – NATIONAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR
LAGRANGE, GA.

From a very young age, Demetrice Tuttle knew his purpose in life: to set a positive example for others. When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Demetrice rose to the occasion, taking care of his younger brother and household duties.

At the age of 10, Demetrice joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Georgia, where he flourished. As a teen, he served as president of a leadership and character development group that emphasizes community service, rallying his peers to join in clean-up and other public service activities. Demetrice demonstrated his love of helping others through public speaking, delivering addresses at Club and United Way events, and even appearing on local television programs. He was also a Club junior staffer, tutor and mentor to at-risk teens, encouraging them to pursue higher education.

In 2007, Demetrice graduated from high school, where he was involved in student council, drama club and the academic bowl team. He is currently a freshman at LaGrange College in Georgia, pursuing a double major in theater and sociology. He hopes to acquire a degree from Georgetown University Law Center to become a litigator – and, eventually, a U.S. senator – to realize his ultimate goal: assisting people in poverty.

SASHA ANDERSEN – PACIFIC REGION YOUTH OF THE YEAR
BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZ.

As a young child, Sasha Andersen didn’t understand the concept of “family.” She and her younger siblings were abandoned by their parents and placed in several foster homes, leaving Sasha withdrawn and prone to disappointment. After being adopted, however, she regained her self-confidence, learning to love and trust her new family.

Despite early challenges, Sasha never had a problem fitting in at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River. Staff and fellow Club members there made her feel valued and accepted. She served as a junior staffer and peer mentor, and also formed a cooking club and directed plays.

Currently a high school senior, Sasha takes several honors classes and maintains a 3.77 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish club, and is captain of the speech and debate teams. Through her involvement with the latter, she has earned accolades in essay contests and competitions across the country.

Sasha has spent many hours volunteering at a senior center and elementary school. After graduating from high school in 2008, she plans to attend Baylor University in Texas to pursue a career in public relations.

GINO BINKERT – NORTHEAST REGION YOUTH OF THE YEAR
PITTSBURGH, PA.

Living in a crime-infested neighborhood, Gino Binkert found himself making risky choices and falling in with the wrong crowd.

Joining the Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club changed Gino’s perception of life and put him on a path to success. He participated in a leadership and character development group, eventually becoming its president. Gino also launched and taught a robotics program, for which he won many awards.

During high school, Gino excelled in both academics and soccer. He was selected to be a member of the National Honor Society and the Pittsburgh Public School Scholar Program.

In his community, Gino raises awareness about issues affecting kids, families and the elderly. He has implemented senior assistance programs and conducted fundraisers to assist several charities.

A freshman at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, Gino is pursuing a degree in special education.

BRITTNY CANTERO – SOUTHWEST REGION YOUTH OF THE YEAR
WHARTON, TEXAS

Brittny Cantero never allowed challenges to get in the way of her dreams. Growing up in a home filled with constant change and difficulty, Brittny took a leap of faith and moved out on her own when she was 17 years old.

She leaned on the Boys & Girls Club of Wharton for much-needed support. At the Club, Brittny discovered her passion for helping others, serving as president of a leadership development group and tutoring more than 30 Club members.

Even though she had to work two jobs to pay for her living expenses, Brittny excelled academically. She graduated from high school with a 4.2 GPA and was named valedictorian.

Brittny’s community service extends beyond her involvement with the Club. As a volunteer with the Anchor Club, an international service organization, she helped coordinate Relay for Life, a benefit for cancer patients. She also organized a food, clothing and cash drive for Hurricane Katrina victims.

This fall, Brittny entered Texas A&M University, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.

REYNIESHA SHARP – MIDWEST REGION YOUTH OF THE YEAR
ALTON, ILL.

Though her early life proved difficult, Reyniesha Sharp found the will to survive. Despite being abandoned by her mother, Reyniesha continues to nurture her sisters as caretaker, friend and role model. Her drive to be a positive example for others sets her apart and fuels her passion as a leader.

After joining the Boys & Girls Club of Alton, Reyniesha wanted to help other kids in similar situations. She actively participated in leadership groups that promote community service, and led a training that focused on self-esteem, physical changes, peer pressure and media influences.

A high school junior, Reyniesha participates in the Minority Excellence and Peer Mediation programs, and has won recognition from the school principal for her academic achievement and leadership. She also medaled in track, recently breaking a 1989 high school record for the sprint medley.

Reyniesha is a community leader and often recruits her peers to volunteer. She chaired Walk for a Cure, benefitting the American Diabetes Association. She also organized a Coats for Kids drive and neighborhood clean-up.

Upon graduation in 2008, Reyniesha plans to pursue a degree in speech and communications.