Future History Makers Receive Ancestry Scholarship

Making history happens in many ways for many reasons, but there’s one thing many future history makers have in common — the Boys & Girls Club. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with Ancestry® to provide Club kids with access to tools and resources they need to make history, starting with the Ancestry History Makers Scholarship for Club seniors. 

Recent high school graduates and Club kids like Luisa, Delilah and Paul are on the path to becoming our nation’s next history makers as the recipients of the scholarship.

Meet Luisa T.

Luisa T.

For Luisa, the circumstances surrounding her life were difficult. “My 14-year-old sister took care of me, and then my father and mother both passed away, leaving my family life unstable. I had a lot of trust issues, but that’s when I found my Boys & Girls Club.” Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista helped her with homework and provided a place to make friends. “It was a safe space that gave me emotional support when my life got way too much.” 

Luisa credits the Club for giving her the skills to help her through high school, highlighting leadership skills learned in the Keystone teen program and the compassion she felt from the female-centered Smart Girls program. “I believe the skills I have learned at the Club will serve me for my lifetime. I plan to become a gynecologist. I hope to provide others with the sense of safety in my career.”

Meet Delilah C.

Delilah C.

Some people change history through their athletic skills and some through their musical talent, but for Delilah from Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton, she plans to make history by influencing others and serving as a role model for those who are similar to her, encouraging them to follow their heart. 

“I am one of the many seniors who are hesitant to admit that they aren’t sure what they want to be when they grow up,” says Delilah, but the one thing she is sure of is that she wants to leave plenty of space to explore her options. After graduation, she plans to attend a technical college to help guide her through college life and help determine her major to prepare for a 4-year university.

“I have learned to be open-minded while working at the Club,” she says, having been a Club member since age six and part of junior staff the past three years. During this time, she has gotten experience in every role at the Club, from helping maintain the facility to working at the front desk. Delilah credits the relationships and support system of her Club for shaping who she is today. “The Club has helped me focus on who I want to be in the future. It is because of them that I want to change history and help others achieve their dreams along the way.”

Meet Paul J.

Paul J.

Hardworking and enthusiastic – two words used to describe Paul of Jackson Boys & Girls Club. Paul is focused on using his people skills, trustworthy nature, critical thinking and writing skills to serve his community. 

As a child, Paul visited his grandparents’ house often and it had a great impact on him. “My grandparents not only showed me what happens when you treat children well, they showed me how I can change people’s lives for the better.” 

Paul has been a member at the Club for 8 years and has been involved in the Honors Council for 3 years. His experiences at the Club empowered him to learn important leadership skills that don’t just benefit him, but those around him. “I’ve learned to deal with situations that I faced as a kid in the right way and make good decisions. Thanks to these experiences, I believe I work harder, am calmer, and just a better person in general – which will help me lead others.” 

You Can Help Support the Next Generation of History Makers

This year, 8 million kids won’t have a safe place to go after school. Boys & Girls Clubs provide the safe spaces, positive adult influences, daily meals and meaningful life experiences kids need to overcome today’s challenges and achieve their great futures. When you make a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, you empower more kids like Luisa, Delilah and Paul to become the next generation of history makers.