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Olivet Boys & Girls Club Names Julian Smith Youth Of The Year

Feb 24, 2017 • by Olivet Boys & Girls Club
Julian Smith

READING, PA – Olivet Boys & Girls Club is proud to introduce Julian Smith as their Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 70th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Julian will go on to vie for the Pennsylvania Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Julian has attended Olivet Boys & Girls Club for nine years. Despite obstacles, Julian has always made coming to the Club his priority.  He calls the Club home, a place where he always feels welcome.

He participates in our AmeriCorps program, enjoys serving and tutoring younger Club members, and gives back to his community often. Julian credits Olivet for strengthening his communication with peers as well as children.

Julian is senior at Berks Catholic, a member of the National Honor Society, and plays varsity basketball, all while maintaining a notable 3.6 GPA.

Julian has applied to nine colleges and so far has been accepted to five, including Albright and LaSalle. He plans to study Biology (Pre-Med) and has hopes of becoming a pediatrician to continue fulfilling his love for working with children.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported the youth advocacy organization for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated to inspiring the next generations of engineers, thinkers and leaders who will help drive the American economy. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix, a committed partner who has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on many Academic Success initiatives, and the Taco Bell Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier partner for teen empowerment.

If Julian wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2017, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

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

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