Shonnetta Henry Named 2008-09 National Youth of the Year!
On Wednesday, September 17, Boys & Girls Clubs of America announced at a Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C., that Shonnetta Henry, a five-year member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, was named the 2008-09 National Youth of the Year.
"I’m very proud of the accomplishments of Shonnetta and all the finalists,” said Roxanne Spillett, CEO and president of BGCA. “They are living proof that the work of our Clubs is changing lives for the better.”
Immediately following the Congressional Breakfast, Shonnetta performed her first official duty by speaking at the launch of BGCA's new BE GREAT advocacy campaign with Club alumnus and BGCA National Spokesperson Denzel Washington.
An Academic Achiever
As the Youth of the Year, Shonnetta receives $26,000 in college scholarships from the Reader’s Digest Foundation, the program’s founding sponsor. These funds will be helpful for the freshman psychology major at the University of New Mexico. A 2008 graduate of Denver’s East High School, Shonnetta was active in the Black Student Alliance, varsity speech team and the East Theatre Company. Her academic schedule included five advanced placement courses and two accelerated courses. Additionally, she is a poet, dancer and caretaker for her younger sister and two brothers.
A Club Leader
At her Club, Henry was a Junior Staff member, Keystone Club president, a teacher for Words Can Heal (teaching members the power of language) and participated in Ink About It, a poetry and performance group. She also helped younger members with their homework.
The Youth of the Year program recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club; academic excellence; and personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Shonnetta is the 62nd youth to receive the title. She will serve a one-year term as the national teen spokesperson for the 4.8 million youth served annually by the Clubs.