Dawn Williams,17, a 12-year member of the South Haven Boys & Girls Club, has been named the 
Youth of the Year for the state of IN by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). Among the twenty-five competing club members, she is now among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Williams has been an active member in both the Torch and Keystone Leadership Clubs and is the current Keystone Club president. She is also a participant and coach for younger members through the Club basketball and soccer teams. Within the community, Dawn plays a role in Red Cross blood drives, has participated in community events such as bell ringing for the Salvation Army and the American Cancer Society’s Shoot Out Cancer tournament.
“The Club means a lot to me because it gave me the confidence to try out for the basketball team and has had a big impact on my decision to stay away from drugs and alcohol and not only has taught me life skills but also how to be a leader,” said Williams who is an honor roll student at Portage High School. Upon graduation, Williams plans to attend Purdue University to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. “Dawn is an outstanding member who honors our organization daily as our Youth of the Year. We wish her the very best as she represents Indiana in the eleven state Midwest Region competition this summer in Chicago,” said Chuck Leer, President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.
In addition to winning this prestigious title, Williams will receive a $500 savings bond and keepsake item donated by fourth year sponsor BKD, LLP, as well as a $1,000 scholarship from 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 over 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Dawn Williams, for their dedication to their families, Club, community, and their academic and career goals.”
Dawn Williams and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA. “We are most appreciative to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members attain their goals.”
This summer, Dawn Williams will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Midwest Region. If named regional winner, she will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President Barack Obama during a ceremony in the Oval Office.
As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million towards BGCA and 62 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, call 219-464-7282 or visit www.bgcpoco.org.