Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2010 Indiana State Youth of the Year Dawn Williams is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. At age 17, she has just been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members from around the country for the Regional Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 scholarship. As the Youth of the Year for the State of Indiana, Dawn is among 50 youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 61 years ago through the generosity of Reader's Digest.
To win the state competition Dawn traveled to Indianapolis to compete against 20 other eligible youth from around the state. She gave a speech entitled "What the club means to me." Dawn sat down with me to discuss her club experience. "The club has given me so much. I used to be kind of shy and introverted before I started to come here. Now I am giving speeches to hundreds of people!" Dawn who grew up in South Haven and is currently in her Junior year at Portage High School. She began coming to the club at age five and became very active in the sports programs. "Unfortunately, I suffer from patella tilt syndrome. I had to have surgery so now I can't play sports, but I still volunteer coach at the club for the younger members. The club showed me that no matter what challenges I may face I can overcome any obstacle." After Dawn's surgery she spent 10 months in physical therapy and it was there that she decided to choose a career path in sports medicine and kinesiology (the study of movement) at Purdue University when she graduates in 2011.
"The kids at the club have been very excited for me. Our little community in South Haven tends to get overlooked sometimes and this is really big news for them." Dawn used to walk to the club as a young child, then she rode her bike and now she drives her car. However, recently she came to the club in a very special way thanks to the South Haven Fire & Police Departments. Dawn rode on top of the fire truck in full firemen safety gear and had a police escort.
This hometown hero was greeted by over 150 club members and staff holding up signs and cheering her name.
I asked Dawn if she wanted to thank anyone in this column and she proudly said both her parents and the staff of the Boys & Girls Club, especially Ron Ranta the club's Unit Director. "Ron has been a mentor to me for over 11 years and he really supports all the kids here at the club, as well as their families. We are lucky to have him and all the staff looking out for us."
In early July Dawn will travel to Shamburg, IL to compete at the regional level. If Dawn wins at the regional competition, she will compete for the title of National Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2010 to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by President Obama in the oval office. Good luck Dawn, we are all very proud of you!
