Local Teen Named Boys & Girls Club 2007 Youth Of The Year
Jason T. McClurg is a true example of an extraordinary young man.At age 17, he has been selected as the 2007 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. McClurg is among hundreds of youth across the country who join the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) in celebrating A Legacy of Hope and Opportunity during the 60th anniversary of the Youth of the Year program.
The program was founded 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.“The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation. “For 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Jason McClurg, for their dedication to their families, Club and community, and helping them achieve their academic and career goals.”
A twelve-year member of the North Providence Clubhouse and a junior at North Providence High School, McClurg was evaluated by a panel of four judges including Juana Horton of the Rhode Island Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, Yutunde Dehinde of Amgen, Kristeen Kates of Picerne Real Estate, and Robert MacKenzie of Amica Mutual Insurance Co.The competitive process was based on an extensive application covering achievement in school, family, club and community service, life goals, and moral values, as well as written essays and a three-minute speech of what the Boys & Girls Clubs means to the finalists.McClurg referees at soccer games for the North Providence Clubhouse and last year participated in the World Scholar Athlete Games held at URI.
McClurg will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Rhode Island State Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship in April. If he wins at the state level, then he will compete for the title of North East Regional Youth of the Year and a $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will travel to Washington, D.C. in September 2007 to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States in an Oval Office ceremony.