Miss Alabama 2023, Brianna Burrell, to deliver keynote address at Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama (BGCSA) Youth of the Year (YOY) Luncheon celebrating outstanding teens on Thursday, May 23, at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 S. Water St, Mobile, AL 36602. The program will begin at 11:30 a.m.
The YOY event, sponsored by SSAB, is the signature event aligning with the mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This program recognizes and celebrates children and youth and provides a platform to showcase their skills, share their stories, and inspire others.
Honorees are selected from the five traditional Clubs based on submitting a completed application, recommendations, and interviews with community leaders. Their outstanding leadership skills, exemplary service to others, academic excellence, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle played a role in the selection process.
Congratulations to the following:
Ryan Mosley is the BGCSA 2024 Youth of the Year. After struggling to connect with others, Ryan, a once-timid teen found his voice and confidence at the Bernard Malkove Branch. He transformed into an outgoing and charismatic youth with the support of his newfound friends, the Club’s welcoming community, and participating in community service projects and Club programs such as Keystone Club and Torch Club. He is an honor roll student and a member of Baker’s Advisor’s Council, 30 ACT Club, and Mobile Kappa League, where he received the Advisor’s Council Award and Sanford D. Bishop and Gabe Wright Awards for academic excellence and involvement.
Ryan plans to attend Morehouse College this Fall. He credits Pamela Thompson, Bernard Malkove’s teen coordinator, for her guidance and listening ear, and Jermaine West, director of teen services, for being a role model and making him a better young man. “I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am to have these two people in my life,” Ryan says. “They introduced me to many opportunities and continue contributing to my educational growth daily.”
Finalists include:
Chloe R., a student at Foley High School, and her journey at Foley Boys & Girls Club showcases a remarkable transformation. Initially struggling with low self-esteem and feeling disconnected, Chloe found support and belief from her parents, teachers, and Club staff. Their encouragement helped her discover her potential, leading to a newfound confidence and purpose. Chloe’s growth extended beyond academic success, as she emerged as an advocate for environmental causes, inspiring her community through beach cleanups and conservation efforts.
“Chloe’s evolution into a resilient and passionate individual is evident,” Club director Felicia Chesmer says. “Chloe is a natural leader, a bright light, and an excellent project manager. She conceptualizes situations and problems and is excellent at conflict resolution.”
Her story is a testament to the positive impact of mentorship and support in empowering young individuals to become agents of change in their communities. After high school, she plans to pursue a career as a cosmetologist.
Jade L. is a Baker High School student and Kiwanis Club member who has transformed from a shy wallflower to a confident leader. Through her involvement in Club activities like basketball, Keystone Club, Ignite Teen Summer Program, and We Own Fridays, she has discovered her strengths, embraced her entrepreneurial spirit, and found her passion for helping others.
Jade’s journey from a reserved individual to an empowered team player showcases her dedication to personal growth and service. Her willingness to take on leadership roles has helped her find her voice and inspired others. Chrystal Ramsey, Kiwanis Club program director, praises Jade as an outstanding leader who goes above and beyond with a giving spirit that shines through in everything she does.
Kayleigh M’s decade-long journey with the Optimist Branch has been transformational. What started as a place to run around and have fun, Kayleigh’s interest in Club programs changed her outlook. Through participating in activities like Smart Girls, Gavel Club, Torch Club, Ignite Program, swim, dance team, cooking classes, and many more, Kayleigh now sees Club activity as an opportunity for growth and development. From serving as Keystone Club president and a teen mentor to taking financial literacy classes, Kayleigh learned skills that prepare her for the workforce while volunteering her time and talent to those in need. Kayleigh credits the Club as her strong and positive support system, which has made a difference in her life and helped her personal and academic growth and development. Kayleigh is a recent Murphy High School graduate and plans to attend college.
Charlotte H. has been a Club kid for five years and is active in Club activities such as SMART Girls Program, Torch Club, Keystone Club, and the Ignite Teen Summer Program. She also holds honors as Jr. Youth of the Year. The Mary G. Montgomery freshman is described as someone who is outgoing. She excels in her classes as an honor roll student and is very involved in her school activities and community. She is a member of the Girl Scouts and loves to read and write.
The once-shy student credits the Club her friends, parents and faith for her growth. “Charlotte was so soft-spoken that you had to be close to hear to her speak,” Inger Anderson, Club director says. “Her journey to becoming a leader is definitely off to a good start.” She plans to attend the University of North Alabama and study photography upon graduation from high school in 2026.
Fatou B. is a remarkable young woman who joined the Sonny Callahan Branch in 2014. Originally from Senegal and speaking only Wolof, she quickly learned English with the help of Ms. Kathy and the Boys & Girls Club staff.
At the Club, Fatou discovered her love for sports, excelling in volleyball, football, and basketball. Her basketball skills landed her a starting spot on her high school team by her sophomore year. Despite her busy athletic schedule, Fatou maintains an impressive 4.5 GPA and plans to graduate in the top 10 class this May.
Beyond her achievements, Fatou is a supportive sister to her younger siblings attending the Club. Tiffany Pogue praises Fatou’s growth and dedication to her family and the Club’s programs. As she prepares for graduation and enrolls at the University of South Alabama, Fatou reflects on the Club as a family where she feels at home. She encourages younger members to seize every opportunity.
Youth of the Year is the organization’s main fundraising event, an opportunity for the public and business community to learn firsthand about the impact Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama has on shaping the lives of area youth.
