The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Lorain freshman wins Youth of the Year
Seven years ago, Ryan Williams Jr. joined the Boys and Girls Clubs because of a dark place he was at in his life.
“I was going through a lot,” Ryan said. “I had been recommended by family and friends, so I joined.”
Since joining, Ryan, a 14-year-old Lorain High School freshman, has been involved with Healthy Habits presentations, sports and recreation teams, the Triple Play Club, water and boat safety, and life saving courses, the Claymation Club, Teen Leadership Days, community service projects, community festivals and public programs.
And recently, Ryan was named the 2017 Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County Youth of the Year.
“When I joined (the Boys and Girls Clubs), I knew there were a number of opportunities to take advantage of,” he said. “But, I never expected to be the person that would stand up in front of people and give a speech.
“It brings joys to my heart and it’s really cool to be named the Youth of the Year.”
Resource Development Director Sandi Domain said she knows Ryan will go on to accomplish a lot
and contribute to society.
“Ryan is the youngest Youth of the Year that Lorain County has had since our inception,” Domain said. “He is very impressive and we know he will be successful and go a long way here (at the Boys and Girls Clubs) and in life.”
He currently takes college prep courses and maintains a 3.75 grade point average.
At Lorain High, Ryan participates with the Freshman Student Council and holds the lead role in Lorain Public Library System’s Dramatic Arts production.
Outside of school and the Boys and Girls Clubs, he contributes and is involved with the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, annual Black River CleanUp, FireFish Festival, Lorain Public Library System’s arts program, and has helped with service projects for cancer patients, senior citizens and people in need.
This is not Ryan’s first youth competition. In March, he competed in Perrysburg, Ohio, against 13 other teens
ryan said he thanks the Boys and Girls Clubs for allowing him to be himself.
for the State of Ohio Youth of the Year, according to Domain.
“He did not win, but we look forward to him going back next year to compete,” she said.
Ryan said he thanks the Boys and Girls Clubs for allowing him to be himself.
“The Boys and Girls Clubs accepts you for who you are – it’s like a motherly love,” he said. “They have converted my life of darkness into an artificial light and put me on a path of joy.”
Ryan said he plans to pursue degrees in psychology and dramatic arts.
“Life is a locked box with only one key,” he said. “That key is as simple as living your own life, regardless of oppression or opinions of others.
“Live your life like you wish and true life will fall into your hands.”