2021-22 Southeast Youth of the Year
Club/Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
Length of Membership: 3 years
Preferred College: Columbia University
Career Interest: Elected Official
Defining Characteristics: Determined, Vocal
“When I first walked through the doors of the Club, I was welcomed by the open arms of those who would always accept and celebrate my unique qualities. Similar to how the Club has uplifted me, I hope to provide acceptance and opportunity for my peers, opening doors towards great futures and an even greater sense of pride in who we are.”
Every young person, like Jorge, deserves a safe, positive environment in which to learn and grow.
The first time Laine entered the Boys & Girls Club, she was a scared 5-year-old. Over the next 13 years, the Club helped her learn new skills and gain important life experiences. Her involvement in life skills program SMART Girls, for instance, taught Laine about the value of healthy relationships and the dangers of substance abuse.
The Club provided Laine with mentors and resources in a time of need. Because of that, she is a strong advocate of providing youth with in-school access to mental health resources. During a Club trip to Santa Fe, she discussed this passion with the governor and shared solutions on how to ensure kids can access mental health resources. Her commitment sparked interest in putting together a mobile mental health assessment unit to travel to schools across the state.
Laine served as president of the teen leadership group Keystone Club for two years and tutored peers at her Club and school. She is a University of New Mexico freshman and plans to study pathology.
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