Ashley Babcock, Midwest Region

Ashley Babcock’s nine-year involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bethalto (Ill.) helped her develop a strong sense of self that enabled her to become a leader for younger Club members. After Ashley’s mother left an abusive husband, the family had to struggle to make ends meet, and Ashley had to overcome the negative stereotypes about girls that had been instilled in her. Ashley triumphed, excelling in school and at the Club. Committed to giving back to her community, Ashley organized community blood and food drives, and tutored younger Club members.

“The Boys & Girls Club is a safe place where kids can learn, have fun and be free. In my house, women were regarded as weak and unintelligent, but at the Boys & Girls Club, I learned that I was capable of accomplishing anything. I could play sports as well and better than most boys my age. It was an eye-opening experience.

“In a time when women can impact the world the same as men – go to school, have great jobs and do important things – I would be a fool not to take my chance to go to college. I take pride in knowing that I will be the first woman in my family to go to college, and it is vital that I succeed.

“The Boys & Girls Club is important to me because it gives children an opportunity to advance themselves in different areas. They can learn physical fitness, do their homework, use computers, enhance their social sills and become part of a group.”

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Krystal Madden, Southeast Region

When Krystal Madden’s home burned down six years ago, her family lost everything. While her mother worked 12-hour days to make up for the damage, Krystal, then 14, took it upon herself to learn how to cook, clean and take care of her younger siblings. Throughout these hard times, Krystal remained on the honor role and student council. Not long after she joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Miss., she was working at the Club, helping younger members, including her own brother and sister. She is currently attending college on a full academic scholarship.

“Shortly after the Boys & Girls Club opened, I joined and began to visit often. I spent so much time there that the director offered me a job as a junior staff member working with younger Club members. I quickly noticed that some of the children had trouble reading, so I set up a program to teach them how to read. I also set up an after-school tutoring program to get some of the high school students involved with the Club.

“Since our community opened a Boys & Girls Club, I have tried to offer as much help as possible. I stay away from drugs and other negative things so that I can be a positive role model. I get pleasure out of helping open doors for the children in my community.

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Paul “PJay” Manley, Northeast Region

A nine-year member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Nashua (NH), PJay Manley has faced a life plagued by poverty and instability. His parents divorced when he was 6, and PJay eventually became caretaker for his mother and older brother, who both suffer from serious illnesses, while contributing to the family’s income. PJay found a home at the Boys & Girls Club, and is now a positive role model for younger members. He is determined to be the first person in his family to go to college, and has made a commitment to give back to the Club through volunteering.

“I was forced to be responsible from an early age. My father was not present in my life. Heath issues plagued my mother. Growing up with no money, living in the poor parts of town, being unable to buy nice things and dress well seems to be the equation that gets you mixed up with the wrong kinds of kids.

“The Club has been the only constant place in my life. Through all of my problems, there were Club staff members who knew what I was going through. After talking with them, I realized that I couldn’t become the person I wanted to be unless I changed.

“I was given a second and even third chance to change my life through the efforts of the Club. They showed me that people in this world do care for you and, in turn, instilled in me a loving attitude toward all those I encounter. They changed me from someone who did not care to someone who will not stop caring. That is why the Boys & Girls Club is everything to me.”

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Adriana Trevino, Southwest Region

Adriana Trevino is determined to be the first person in her family to graduate from college. She maintains a 3.9 GPA in high school, belongs to the National Honor Society and has earned a varsity letter in the sport she loves, basketball. Adriana has attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver for four years and serves as a peer leader and junior staff member. As the oldest of four in a family headed by a single mother, Adriana is committed to being a positive role model for her siblings.

“I always try to be a good role model for my younger sisters and brother because I know they look up to me. I know that if I do something negative, they may think it is okay. As such, I try to present myself well so they will follow my lead.

“Without the Club, I would not have clear direction in my life. The staff is exceptional. They are here to help me and keep me safe. They do just that, plus so much more. This wonderful place has given me a job, many opportunities, a second home and great friends. The Club is where I go when I need time for myself without having to be alone.

“The support I have received from the Club is extraordinary. Before I began attending the Club, I never thought I had a bright future. I thought that I would just live my life day-to-day instead of looking forward to what I want. Now, I can look down the road five to 10 years to see what I want to accomplish. The support I have received has increased my self-esteem and self-confidence and I know I can achieve anything.”

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