Boys & Girls Clubs of America Honors Extraordinary Military-Connected Teen '2022 National Military Youth of the Year'

ATLANTA, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Selected among five outstanding regional finalists from Boys & Girls Clubs of America-affiliated military Youth Centers across the country and overseas, Ahsha B., of Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base has been named the 2022 National Military Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

During the annual Washington, D.C., celebration, emceed by American sports commentator and Boys & Girls Clubs of America supporter, Lewis Johnson, Ahsha was rewarded a $20,000 scholarship to support her future educational endeavors. This is in addition to the $22,500 in college scholarships already awarded to her at the state and regional levels of the Military Youth of the Year Program.

"For 30 years, we are honored to support military-connected youth, providing safe spaces, positive mentors and life-enhancing programs to help young people learn, grow and thrive," said Jim Clark, president & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "We are extremely proud of Ahsha and her achievements as we champion great futures for young people across the nation."   

After a move from Virginia to rural Georgia, Ahsha's parents encouraged her to join the Military base's Youth Center. She was less than thrilled.

"The first time I attended the Kings Bay Teen Center in January 2019, I did so begrudgingly," Ahsha said. "I had no clue what to expect."

Within two weeks of the program, a Youth Center staff member encouraged Ahsha to audition for a talent program through the Youth Center. She had the opportunity to perform an original spoken word piece and perform alongside a spoken word artist. In the same year, she was nominated as Boys & Girls Clubs of America's East Coast National UPS Road Code Ambassador, which provided the opportunity to conduct safe driving workshops for teens. After these two major leadership milestones, Ahsha had the confidence to launch a podcast for teens at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, connecting directly with her peers.

"Immediately I began to build friendships and realized that this was not just a 'program," Ahsha said. "It was a place of growth and opportunity where I could be surrounded by people willing to invest in my success."

Ahsha's list of achievements has only grown since, becoming a member of several Club committees, locally and nationally. Perhaps the most profound experience for her so far has been participating in the 'Whatever it Takes to Fight for your Voice' series, which connected her with other young people of color.

"My experiences have shown me that the only limitations I have are the ones I place upon myself," Ahsha said. "Through these opportunities, I have been surrounded by successful teens of color and other ethnicities, who have shown me the importance of not allowing others to define my limitations by the color of my skin. Seeing all these confident and successful teens made me become more confident in who I was as a person and revitalized the pride I feel for my culture, my unique gifts and talents."

National Military Youth of the Year is a component of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year recognition program for Club and Youth Center members. On October 13, Ahsha will join five finalists in Los Angeles for the National Youth of the Year celebration to contend for the National Youth of the Year title. If named the National Youth of the Year, Ahsha will receive an additional $50,000 scholarship, a brand-new Toyota Corolla and the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America representing 4.3 million Club and Youth Center kids and teens.

For 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has recognized young people in its Youth of the Year premiere youth leadership program, honoring extraordinary young people in their achievements in leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

Toyota and Kohl's are the Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year, sharing a dedication to America's youth. Toyota is committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Boys & Girls Clubs and BGCA-affiliated Military Youth Centers provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work; and Kohl's is committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs and Youth Centers provide staff training and curriculum updates focused on trauma-informed care, building practices kids and teens will need to build great futures. 

As the Lead Sponsor of Youth of the Year, Mondelēz International, will engage with local Clubs and Youth Centers year-round to help foster a new generation of leaders prepared to live in and lead a diverse global economy.  

For more information about Youth of the Year, visit www.youthoftheyear.org 

For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. More than 4,900 Clubs serve over 4.3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America