Four finalists are in the running to be Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio’s 2021 Youth of the Year.
The Youth of the Year competition is one of the signature events at Boys & Girls Clubs.
The winner will be announced in a virtual ceremony on Friday, March 19. The BGCNEO Youth of the Year will advance to state competition.
The finalists for Youth of the Year are:
- Daisjana Walker, a senior at Cleveland’s East Tech High School, is a four-year Club member who has been an active participant in the entrepreneurship and healthy lifestyles programs. She is also a junior staff member at the East Tech Teen Center. At East Tech, Daisjana is a cheerleader and a member of the athletic advisory board.
- Abrianna Johnson, who lives in Akron and is the reigning BGCNEO Youth of the Year. Abrianna is a senior at Akron’s Archbishop Hoban High School, where she is a member of Model U.N., the track team, Merit Roll, South Akron Youth Mentorship and Upward Bound Math and Science. At her Club, she is treasurer of Keystone Club, which focuses on character and citizenship, and enjoys art.
- Jamaria Glover, one of the top student-athletes at Sandusky High School. Jamaria has exemplified leadership in her roles as president of Student Council and captain of the volleyball team. She is also an honor student. A longtime Club member, Jamaria has helped run events for younger members and regularly takes party in community engagement opportunities.
- Karla Rickards, a senior in the Akron Early College Program, where she is earning both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Karla has been an active Club member, participating in the Torch and Keystone Clubs, both leadership groups. In addition, she has been involved in the South Akron Youth Mentorship Program and has a part-time job at Walgreen’s.
Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, fun places for kids ages 6-18 to go after school, with an emphasis on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. BGCNEO was formed by the 2019 merger of Clubs in Erie County, Cleveland, Lorain County and Akron.
