Brookside teen named Red Diamond Youth of the Year

Published 3:03 pm Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama has announced the Red Diamond – Youth of the Year recipient Diamond Watkins and runner-up Khalil Bell. Diamond Watkins attends the Brookside BGC and will receive a $3,000 scholarship to the college of her choice.

The runner-up Kahlil Bell was awarded $2,000 scholarship from BGCCA. Additionally, each will also receive a laptop or tablet and matching scholarship funds from the George V. Daniels, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

In 2016, BGCCA lost a great leader and longtime board member. Daniels valued education and was proud of the Youth of the Year program. Vicki Daniels created this scholarship in her husband’s memory.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year, celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.

Diamond Watkins is a senior at Gardendale High School, where she maintains a 3.82 GPA. She was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. Diamond has been a member of the Brookside BGC for 10 years and has worked as a club counselor for two years. Diamond wants to attend Auburn University in the fall of 2018.

Diamond says, “Volunteering is close to my heart, when I help others it not only changes their life, it also changes mine”.

“Diamond is an exceptional teen and leader,” said Leisa Smith, President/CEO, BGCCA. “Teens like Diamond are deserving of this recognition because of the commitment shown to themselves, their Clubs and their community. We are so proud of Diamond and BGCCA is looking forwards to supporting her on the journey. Congratulations to Diamond!”

Selected among several local outstanding youth, Diamond will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Alabama Youth of the Year title where the winner receives a $10,000 scholarship from the Beverly Burton Trust, plus another $5,000 scholarship and advance to regional competitions.

If Diamond wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2018, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.

The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.