Meet our 2021 Youth of the Year!
Leadership, service to the Club, community and family, moral character, academic success and dedication are all factors in what it takes to be named "Youth of the Year." Meet Keaton Sturm, this year’s representative of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region's Pinconning Unit!
Keaton is 16 years old and attends Pinconning High School where he is enrolled in the 10th grade and is on track to graduate in 2022! Keaton is a ten year member of The Club and has been awarded Member of the Month for 10 consecutive years.
He remembers how welcoming the staff was as a young person and how he could easily be his authentic self while here. Keaton is currently a paid employee of the Club as a Junior Staff, where he has learned to be a mentor to the younger members and lead program activities. The Club is not only a place where he has pursued opportunities to improve himself but a place where he is empowered to help improve those around him.
Keaton credits the Club with opening doors for him and exposing him to new character traits and ideas. Described by team members as a cheerful and kind-hearted young man.
During his time as a member, Keaton has engaged in community service projects such as canned food drives, neighborhood clean up and participation in entrepreneurial programs. Keaton has participated in nearly every program that the Boys and Girls Clubs have to offer. He has even served as President of Keystone Club and Keaton has worked extremely hard to put himself on a path that will bring him both joy and success.
When asked why he attends the Club nearly every day, Keaton states “My Club believes in me, and this belief has helped me do extraordinary things. It has stretched me and challenged me. I’m more confident every day and more prepared to represent my Club well.”
Keaton is 16 years old and attends Pinconning High School where he is enrolled in the 10th grade and is on track to graduate in 2022! Keaton is a ten year member of The Club and has been awarded Member of the Month for 10 consecutive years.
He remembers how welcoming the staff was as a young person and how he could easily be his authentic self while here. Keaton is currently a paid employee of the Club as a Junior Staff, where he has learned to be a mentor to the younger members and lead program activities. The Club is not only a place where he has pursued opportunities to improve himself but a place where he is empowered to help improve those around him.
Keaton credits the Club with opening doors for him and exposing him to new character traits and ideas. Described by team members as a cheerful and kind-hearted young man.
During his time as a member, Keaton has engaged in community service projects such as canned food drives, neighborhood clean up and participation in entrepreneurial programs. Keaton has participated in nearly every program that the Boys and Girls Clubs have to offer. He has even served as President of Keystone Club and Keaton has worked extremely hard to put himself on a path that will bring him both joy and success.
When asked why he attends the Club nearly every day, Keaton states “My Club believes in me, and this belief has helped me do extraordinary things. It has stretched me and challenged me. I’m more confident every day and more prepared to represent my Club well.”
What is Youth of the Year?
For nearly 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated our nation's most inspiring teens. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to healthy lifestyles have made Youth of the Year one of America's most prominent leadership and recognition programs for teens. These amazing youth represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. They inspire all kids to lead, to succeed, and to motivate other young people to fulfill their goals and visions.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth, as well as a voice for all our nation's kids and teens. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof of the impact that Clubs make in transforming (and, sometimes, saving) kids' lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business, and sports.
To learn more about Youth of the Year, visit the Youth of the Year website.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth, as well as a voice for all our nation's kids and teens. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof of the impact that Clubs make in transforming (and, sometimes, saving) kids' lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business, and sports.
To learn more about Youth of the Year, visit the Youth of the Year website.
