By David Jernigan, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
I could open this story with a series of devastating headlines about teens in Metro Atlanta. However, instead of focusing on their shadows, I’d prefer to take this opportunity to project their light.
“A masterpiece in the making is a perfect phrase to describe who I am. I am constantly growing and improving in all areas of my life,” said Jaden T., a 17-year-old high school senior with plans to attend Howard University and study political science next fall. She says attending Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth Days of Advocacy in Washington, D.C., opened her eyes to endless career paths. “My end goal is to become an attorney and work in the nation’s Capital as a policymaker. I want to positively impact the world by providing support to those who feel unheard and make great changes that will benefit the masses.”
Jaden T. is our reigning Youth of the Year and a stellar example of exceptional teens I have the pleasure of meeting day in and day out as President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA). While I know news headlines often capture hard truths about the state of our society and paint a different image of our youth, I wholeheartedly believe that when teens are provided safe, inclusive and engaging environments, they (like Jaden) absolutely thrive.
That’s why I am excited for BGCMA’s partnership with the City of Atlanta and Mayor Andre Dickens’ Year of the Youth initiative, a collaborative community effort aimed at enhancing the lives of Atlanta’s youth through a variety of educational, recreational, and mentorship programs. Through this initiative, BGCMA is slated to receive a generous $1 million donation.
Over my 24 years advocating for our youth, I’ve witnessed various initiatives, but this unified effort is truly unprecedented and monumental. It reflects a shared vision for a brighter future, one where…
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