Selected among 13 outstanding youth, Donovan Frazier, Jr. has been named the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 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 living a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 75th year, the Youth of the Year program honors the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year, Donovan will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the region, receive a $20,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and go on to contend for the national Youth of the Year title on October 13 in Los Angeles, California.
A graduate of Eau Claire High School, Donovan is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, an honor roll student, played baseball, ran track, and was captain of his senior basketball team.
Donovan has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Benton Harbor since he was 11 years old and has participated in programs like drama, sports, Passport to Manhood, and served as the president of Torch Club (youth leadership group) and Keystone Club (teen leadership group).
Donovan credits his strong relationships with the staff at Boys & Girls Clubs for helping to change his life and put him in a position to shape his future. He plans to attend Indiana University in the fall with a focus on social work. “As long as you have a strong work ethic and perseverance, there is nothing that can pull you down, and no obstacle too big to conquer,” he said.
“Youth of the Year is an incredible opportunity to honor outstanding Club teens who have accomplished so much, with the support of their local Boys & Girls Club,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Congratulations to all of our youth leaders, they are truly the visionaries and trailblazers who will shape our future.”
Founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year program is nationally supported by Toyota, Kohl’s, and Mondelez. Our sponsors are committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs 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. Youth of the Year representatives are the workforce leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
In October, Donovan will join other regional winners to vie for the national title. If named the national winner, he will be awarded an additional $50,000 college scholarship. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military youth winner, will advance to the virtual event to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs, contact Sherri Ulleg at 269.363.4806 or sulleg@bgcbh.org.
