Meet The Youth

Janel Adkins

Boys & Girls Club at Meade Village, Junior Staff Member

17 years old

Janel has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for four years and is on the Junior Staff of the Meade Village Club. Raised by a single mother Janel has moved many times but is strong in her commitment to the Club and the community. She is a member of the Leadership Club at Meade Village and enjoys softball and basketball. She plans to attend Johns Hopkins University to become a registered nurse.

“I am honored to be named the Youth of the Year for the Meade Village Club site, the Club has provided me with endless opportunities to be a successful leader in my community.” 

Danae Cannedy

Boys & Girls Club at Freetown Village

18 years old

Danae has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for four years. She is Vice President of the Keystone Club – a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service – and also is a mentor at the Club’s Power Hour which helps younger members with homework completion. Danae has participated in many volunteer projects including the Safeway Feast of Sharing, the DC Food Bank, the Redskins Turkey Giveaway, and the “adopt a family and canned food drive”. She is President of the Student Government Association at Glen Burnie High School and maintains a 3.38 GPA. Danae plans to go to Lake Forest College and study Political Science so she can become a Criminal Lawyer.

“Overall the Club has been there for me in more ways than one and for that I am more than grateful. It truly is an honor to be named the Youth of the Year for the Freetown Village Club. This honor shows that hard work and dedication pay off no matter how difficult it may get.”

Paul Johnson, III

Boys & Girls Club at Annapolis Gardens

15 years old

Paul has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for eight years. Paul splits his time between the Annapoiis Gardens Club and the Bates Club where he has been a member of the Robotics League for six years.  Paul volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club during the summer, and also helps at the Lighthouse Shelter. He aspires to study Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie-Mellon University.

“This honor means so much to me, it recognizes us Club members who have gained positive character and leadership skills from the Club.”

Arthur Slade, III

Boys & Girls Club at Bywater

15 years old

Arthur has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for almost six years. He enjoys the Club and loves to meet new people. Arthur participates in many of the Club activities including the Leadership programs and mentoring for young men. He also plays on the Club basketball team and participates in filmmaking programs. With a GPA of 3.63 at Annapolis High School, Arthur can be seen around town volunteering for the Club, the Lighthouse Shelter and delivering holiday gifts to disabled adults. Arthur plans to attend the University of Maryland and study engineering and graphic design.

“Honestly, the Bywater Boys & Girls Club is the best Club and I am honored to be there”.

Antonique Williams

Boys & Girls Club at Bates, Junior Staff Member

17 years old

Antonique has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for four years. She joined the Club because of all of the great benefits it offers for academics. Through participation in Club activities and Leadership Programs at the Club Antonique has learned confidence and self-esteem. She plans to explore a career as a Cosmetologist. 

Favorite Quote:

“To succeed in your mission, you must have a single minded devotion in your goal” – Abdul Kalam

Brittany Taylor

Boys & Girls Club at Admiral Oaks, Junior Staff Member

18 years old

Brittany has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for five years. Brittany is the eldest of nine children and is being raised by her Aunt. She is motivated to succeed and is President of the Admiral Oaks Keystone Club – a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service. Brittany is very involved in the community and volunteers her time feeding the homeless, cleaning local parks and planning food drives. She plans to attend Anne Arundel Community College to earn a major in Child Development and become a Kindergarten Teacher.

“The Club is my second home to me, a place that brings a sense of calm to my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to be named the Admiral Oaks 2014 Youth of the Year”.