JoRissah Shines at Youth of the Year Event!

JoRissah, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley – Regal Teen Center, was awarded the honor of serving as our organization’s Youth of the Year at this year’s “A Night with Our Stars” event. This annual event highlights the amazing things that happen in our Clubs every day and the important role Clubs play in the lives of the youth in our community. It allows us to recognize Club members for their commitment to the core values of the Clubs, which include academic success, strong moral character, service to community and family, and life goals. Through this competition, Club members gain valuable skills, such as poise, interview skills, public speaking skills, and self-confidence.

JoRissah represented Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley on March 12th at the Youth of the Year State Competition held in Nashville. It was a fierce competition, with Club members from across the state vying for the coveted title. We are thrilled to share that JoRissah won second place in the competition, taking home $15,000 in scholarship money! She impressed the judges when she spoke passionately about her experiences at the Club and her love for the Youth Arts Initiative (YAI) program, which provides visual and performing arts programming to Club members. She shared how she has recently taken on a leadership role at her Club, by coaching younger members to prepare for their upcoming performances as part of YAI.

She also spoke glowingly of her favorite staff member at the Club, Mr. Joe. “I’d like to show gratitude to Mr. Joe, a supportive staff member at the Boys & Girls Club. Mr. Joe is someone whom I trust. He provides encouragement and valuable advice and is there for me when I need help. All kids need a mentor, parent, or trusted adult who they can depend on to lead them to greatness.”

We would like to thank our Youth of the Year presenting sponsor, FirstBank, for providing our Club members with the opportunity to compete in the “A Night with Our Stars” event, where participants won scholarship funds and gained valuable, lifelong skills.

Congratulations to JoRissah on this incredible honor!