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Alyse Eady traveling to Washington, D.C., for national competition
ATLANTA [June 9, 2006] – Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) announced last night that Alyse Eady, an 11-year member of the Bill Jeffrey Memorial Boys & Girls Club, a unit of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, has been named the 2006 Southwest Regional Youth of the Year. Chosen from hundreds of entries, including seven other state finalists, Eady will now advance to BGCA’s National Youth of the Year competition in Washington, D.C. The Youth of the Year program recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. “The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation. “We salute all the Youth of the Year nominees and their dedication to their Club, their community and their ongoing success.” Each state Youth of the Year finalist receives a $1,000 college scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation, and each regional finalist receives a $10,000 scholarship. The National Youth of the Year is awarded an additional $15,000 scholarship from the foundation and will be installed by President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office scheduled for September. Eady spends much of her time at the Club helping and entertaining others in the fall and summer. She volunteers during Power Hour, a comprehensive homework help and tutoring program, and teaches cheerleading. She is always eager to use her singing talents to support the Boys & Girls Club’s mission and has performed at various high profile events, including a celebrity golf classic, the national BGCA conference and regional fundraising dinners. Eady is a 2006 graduate of Fort Smith Southside High School, where she excelled in a variety of academic and athletic activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Senior Council. Eady has lettered in cheerleading, gymnastics and track and is a chosen member of the Future Business Leaders of America. Giving back to her community is something close to Eady’s heart. She volunteers in the Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Group, the March of Dimes and Special Olympics and tutors special education students. Her aid to the community has earned her many civic accolades, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award and the Allstate Golden Hands Community Service Award. In 2004, Sept. 7 was declared Alyse Eady Day in her community, and she was recognized as a “soldier in the war of compassion” by President George W. Bush. Eady attends Ouachita Baptist University and is pursuing a career in public relations. She wants to use her skills to help promote awareness for non-profit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Alyse and all the national Youth of the Year finalists offer proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA. “We are thankful to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members reach their goals.” About Boys & Girls Clubs of America Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of more than 3,900 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.6 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. |
