Alexis N. East is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. At age 16, she has just been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the South Carolina Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

As the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, East is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

East has been active within her community for more than a decade, through participation in her local Boys & Girls Club for the past 11 years and the Brown Chapel AME Church, as well as several of her school’s extra-curricular events.

“We are very proud to have Alexis represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands as the Youth of the Year,” said Ben Arnold Campus Director Mary Roe, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. “She is highly committed to her family and friends and is an outstanding leader at the Ben Arnold Boys & Girls Club.  The Ben Arnold Campus is fortunate to have Alexis as a role model to her peers and also to the younger Club members.”

Through the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, East has assisted the elderly in shopping for the holidays, caroled during the holidays, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and the Oliver Gospel Mission shelter for the homeless.

“Doing community service projects through the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, as well as my church, has given me the opportunity to be grateful for the things that I have by helping the less fortunate,” East said. “I am very happy and proud to be able to say that I helped make a difference in my community.”

East serves as the Vice President of the Young People’s Department at her church, as well as the President of the Angelic Praise Dance Ministry.  East is also a Red Cross babysitter, certified in both CPR and First Aid.

“Through her hard work and accomplishments, including nomination for our most prestigious award at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Alexis exemplifies the mission of the Boys & Girls Club,” said Carter Clark, chief professional officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. “That mission is and always will be to enable all young people like Alexis, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We are extremely proud of Alexis.”

East attributes her high academic achievements and community involvement to her mother, Melanie East, who constantly told Alexis and her sister Melanie that the sky is the limit and anything can be achieved if they set their minds to it, stay positive and work hard. 

“I am the daughter of a single mom who taught us the importance of striving toward a successful future,” East said. “My mom has always encouraged me to experience everything positive that life has to offer and grow up to be a well-educated, successful African American young lady that can set the example and be a role model.”

If East wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of South East Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2009, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an Oval Office ceremony.