By David Jernigan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
In the fast-moving world of youth development, moments of true reflection often come when you least expect them. This year’s Youth of the Year (YOY) Celebration for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) was one of those moments. As I stood at the heart of the event, watching 19 incredible teens—each one of them a Youth of the Year from one of our 26 Metro Atlanta Clubs—take the stage, something was unmistakably different. It wasn’t just the energy in the room or the impressive amount of funds we raised. It was the deep, collective sense of pride and legacy that seemed to infuse every moment of the evening. It was a celebration of what we call our “Legacy of Impact.”
The theme of this year’s program was not just about honoring individual excellence, but about recognizing the enduring influence of Boys & Girls Clubs in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
It was clear to me—and to nearly 700 guests in the Coca-Cola Roxy on Nov. 8—that the strength of our organization lies not just in its legacy, but in the ongoing contributions of those who have come before and those who follow. In July, we kicked off the program year by honoring our legacy at our 3rd Annual Staff Symposium, where we recognized 11 BGCMA legends. These are the individuals—many of whom have given decades to our cause—who have shaped the organization into what it is today. From Ruth Osborne, the visionary who helped lead the merger of the Boys Club and Girls Club to form BGCMA, to others like former President & CEO Missy Dugan whose behind-the-scenes leadership laid the foundation for our success, these legends have left an indelible mark on our culture and our mission. And, in keeping with that spirit, we also launched the BGCMA Legend Scholarship Fund, a new initiative to honor the contributions of these remarkable individuals by providing $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in our program.
But it was on the evening of Nov. 8, at our annual Youth of the Year Celebration, that the theme of “Legacy of Impact” truly came alive. As each finalist shared their stories—stories of overcoming adversity, finding their voices, and inspiring others—I was reminded of why this organization exists. These young people aren’t just receiving support; they are becoming the leaders who will carry our work forward, building on the legacy of those who have come before them.
The night’s top honoree, Terrence L.P. from our Douglas County Club, epitomized this theme in a way that left a lasting impression on everyone present.
“Representing the Douglas County Boys & Girls Club as Youth of the Year feels much bigger than me and what I once understood the world to be,” said Terrence. “It’s humbling to be recognized not only as a leader in the Club but also as someone who embodies the qualities needed to represent a place that has been transformative in my life and future. To me, being Youth of the Year symbolizes true leadership: someone who lifts others up when they are down, someone who sees challenges and not only promotes change but actively works to make it happen.”
Terrence’s journey, marked by wisdom, resilience, and an infectious passion for life, is a testament to the power of mentorship and community. I’m proud to say that he will represent BGCMA as our 2024-2025 Youth of the Year. His story is a reflection of our collective impact, and his leadership promises to continue that legacy for years to come.
Equally impressive was the runner-up, Serigne B. from our A.W. “Tony” Matthews Boys & Girls Club. “The Matthews Club is immensely important to me as a cornerstone of my personal development,” said Serigne, who has been a Club member for 10 years. “When I first arrived [from Senegal], I struggled with perfecting my English and building self-confidence. Through its diverse programs, I improved my language skills and learned to connect with others, building meaningful relationships. The mentorship and encouragement I received were crucial in preparing me for future leadership roles and navigating life’s challenges with confidence.”
But what really made this year’s celebration feel different wasn’t just the achievements of our Youth of the Year finalists. It was the presence of our alumni—the young people who had once walked the same blue carpet and now stand as leaders in their own right. These former Youth of the Year honorees returned to share how their experiences at BGCMA had shaped their journeys, how they were making a difference in their communities, and how they were carrying forward the same legacy that was bestowed upon them. It was a powerful reminder that our impact isn’t just a one-time moment—it’s a lifelong journey.
One inspiring example is Dr. Darrell Hall, our 2003 Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year and 2004 Georgia Youth of the Year, who is now the Senior Pastor of The Way Community Church and the Incoming Chairman of our Rockdale County Board.
The generosity of our supporters also set a new record this year, with the event raising a remarkable $1.36 million—$300,000 more than last year. It was a direct result of the collective effort of our board members, corporate partners, and the broader community who answered the call to ensure that our youth continue to have access to life-changing opportunities. But beyond the dollars and cents, what felt most different this year was the way we came together as a community to make this night a reality.
It hasn’t been an easy year for our organization. Like many nonprofits, we’ve faced transitions, challenges, and moments of doubt. But the Youth of the Year Celebration reminded us of the strength that comes from unity. We did this together. And in that collective effort, we not only celebrated the accomplishments of our youth but reaffirmed our commitment to the future.
As I reflect on the success of this year’s celebration, I feel deeply grateful. Grateful for the teens whose stories inspire us all to be better. Grateful for the staff, volunteers, and supporters who make our work possible. And most of all, grateful for the enduring legacy of impact that BGCMA continues to create—a legacy that will echo through the lives of these young people for generations to come.
In the words of Terrence LP, our new Youth of the Year: “Legacy is about the lives you’ve touched rather than what you leave behind. It’s about using your life to be a light to others.” And in that, we have truly found our mission, our purpose, and our future.
Support our Legacy of Impact! Join us Dec. 3 on Giving Tuesday as we carry forward our mission and create lasting impact for kids & teens in Metro Atlanta. Your generous contribution will help sustain and expand our efforts, allowing us to reach even more young people like Terrence and Serigne. Donate today at https://give.bgcma.org/BGCMAGT24.
Let’s continue building on this legacy, together.
About Youth of the Year: Youth of the Year (YOY) is the premier leadership program for Boys & Girls Clubs members ages 14-18. Each year, thousands of Club members participate in local, state, and regional YOY events, with hopes of advancing to the National Youth of the Year Celebration. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA)’s Youth of the Year Gala, we honor exceptional teens who reflect our mission and rich legacy of impact. Each of our 20+ Clubs selects one standout member who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and community service. These teens are celebrated at our YOY Gala, where one is named BGCMA’s Youth of the Year—the highest honor a Club member can achieve.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: For 85 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has ignited the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Our 26 Clubs located in 10 counties across metropolitan Atlanta serves approximately 7,000 kids & teens (ages 6-18) each year, offering youth development programs during critical non-school hours that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. To learn more about BGCMA, follow us on social media: Twitter (@BGCMA_Clubs), Facebook (BGCMA), TikTok (BGCMAtl), LinkedIn (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta), and Instagram (bgcmATL), or visit us online at www.bgcma.org.
