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– Calvin Gilkey is a true example of an extraordinary young man.  At age 18 he has just been selected as the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.  Gilkey is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his 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 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

A member of the West Side Boys & Girls Club, Gilkey stands out among his peers because he is a leader who leads by example and demonstrates integrity, respect and self-discipline.  He is currently a senior at Humboldt Senior High School and has been a member of the Honor Roll every semester.  Gilkey plans on attending college next year and studying finance and computer technology.  He is also an active member of the Keystone Club, a teen leadership group that focuses on service through community projects and learning.  He has proven himself by overcoming many obstacles in life to succeed at school, in his community and in the Clubs.

“The Boys & Girls Club is such an important part of my life”, said Gilkey.  “I have learned that I can make a difference by offering my time and support to others.  The programs and staff give me the courage and determination to push myself and achieve any goal.”

This April, Gilkey will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Minnesota State Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from Reader’s Digest.  If he wins at the state level, then he will compete for the title of Midwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship.  Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2008 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 the President in an Oval Office ceremony. 
 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than 75 years of service to youth.  The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 16,000 young people, ages 6-18.  With eight locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.  “The Positive Place for Kids” offers programs in Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, as well as Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.  BGCTC has also been recognized for outstanding impact in the area of gang prevention and reintegration. 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  For more information, contact BGCTC at 651-999-0600 or visit us on the Web at www.boysandgirls.org. 

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