Nominees

	Charles Butler Youth of the Year—Bates Annapolis High School, Age 16 Charles has been a BGCAA member for ten years and has overcome numerous obstacles to become a well-rounded member of the community. Among his many accomplishments, Charles is the International Baccalaureate “IB” Student at Annapolis High School. The IB program is the highest academic program in Anne Arundel County. He is also on the Junior Staff at the Bates Club with a long-term goal of getting more teens into the Clubs to help mentor the younger members. Charles strives to excel academically and is taking classes to prepare for college so he can study Sports Management or Computer Science. In addition, he learns something new at the Club every day, whether it be in sports or robotics. He vows to bring this new knowledge with him to college so he can succeed.
	Kevin Jackson Youth of the Year—Meade Village Annapolis High School, Age 17 Kevin Jackson has been a BGCAA member for twelve years. Before moving he was a longtime member of the Bywater Club, having started at summer camp there when he was 5 years old. Some of his major accomplishments include being a Maryland MESA alumni, receiving the Dr. Ben Carson Award, being a two-time National Latin Scholar award winner, and scoring in the top 10th percentile on the SAT for the class of 2010 at his high school. Kevin is setting his sights on college and has already received acceptance letters from several. Kevin’s belief that “everyone should have a vote, no one’s voice is too small” will serve him well as he strives to someday become a U.S. Senator for the State of Maryland.
	Wayland Mullins Youth of the Year—Bywater Landsdown High School Academy Wayland is a Youth of the Year finalist for the third year in a row. Wayland’s true character is revealed when he faces tough life challenges. His own father is currently incarcerated and this gives Wayland even more determination to be a constant role model for his younger brother and family. Wayland has represented the Boys & Girls Club at national events and local meetings. He won the Taco Bell Teen Hero Award for $5,000 which he donated back to the Club. He is Vice President of Keystone Club and is also on the Honor Roll at school. He was selected to the Steering Committee for the 2009 Northeast Keystone Conference and is captain of the Robotics Club at school. Wayland won a scholarship to Gordonstoun International Summer School in Scotland where he learned that everyone can come together from different races and religions and that we all smile in the same language. Wayland strives to someday work for NASA and then return to the Club so he can mentor young members and help them ‘break the cycle’.
	Shawn Woodlin Youth of the Year—Admiral Oaks Annapolis High School, Age 16 Shawn has been a member of the Admiral Oaks Club since it opened, and prior to that he attended the Bates Club. His hard work and persevering attitude earned him a spot as a Junior Staffer at Admiral Oaks where he coaches the Elementary School Basketball Team with another Junior Staffer. Shawn plays Varsity Football and Basketball at Annapolis High School, and has an impressive 3.7 GPA. One of Shawn's big achievements that shows a lot about his character is that his Freshman year, he was cut from the JV basketball team. That really upset him, so he worked on his game everyday after school. The following year when he tried again, he not only made the team but earned a starting position. Shawn is a scholar and an athlete. He is passionate about basketball with aspirations of being a Sports Education Teacher.
	Randy Kane Youth of the Year—Freetown Village Archbishop Spalding High School, Age 18 Randy Kane has been a member of BGCAA for less than a year and has already been recruited to our Junior Staff team. Randy is a great role model for club members and staff, always going the extra mile to have a positive impact on those around him. He is often seen patiently helping members with their homework. He has been known to spend several hours with members, if that’s what it takes, to help them understand and complete their homework. Randy is also a great motivator for the staff. He does whatever it takes to get the job done— whether it be taking out the trash, scrubbing floors, reading to a member, or teaching his co-workers to work as a team. He will do anything for the kids, and enjoyed creating drawings for the kids during Summer Camp where they all wanted to be in his group. Randy is a great asset to the Boys & Girls Club. Every day he is striving to reach goals which will insure a positive future for himself and those around him.