News

Local nominee is state Boys & Club Youth of the Year

Aleigha Edwards

By Bill Moss, Published: March 31, 2014

Aleigha Edwards of the Hendersonville club has been named the North Carolina Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. Edwards, selected from among 30 outstanding youth nominees from clubs across the state,for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

As the new teen representative for all Boys & Girls Clubs in North Carolina, Edwards will receive a $5,000 scholarship from the North Carolina Area Council of Boys & Girls Clubs and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation.

In January, Edwards received a $1,000 local scholarship from Henderson County Youth of the Year local sponsor, Hunter Subaru.
As organization's premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. The recognition program encourages club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. These extraordinary young leaders are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.
A senior at Hendersonville High School, Edwards is a member of the National Honor Society and the varsity cheerleading squad. She has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County since kindergarten and now works at the club in a paid job after serving Club's Junior Staff. Edwards is also president of the Club's service and leadership group for teens - Keystone Club. Edwards has already been accepted to three area universities and hopes to attend UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall to study nursing.
This summer, Edwards will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members within the Southeast Region. If named regional winner, she will be awarded an additional $10,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program's national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., this fall, to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up
to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
"Aleigha's 'light up the room' smile and attitude make her stand out," said Kevin Lauritsen, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. "But beneath the smile is a young woman of substance, someone who continuously epitomizes the club's key mission outcomes – being a productive, responsible and caring citizen in every way. We are all so proud of her. She will represent our club and North Carolina well."