Athens High School senior receives Youth of the Year award

Athens High School senior Ian Clark, 17, was selected as the 2021 Boys & Girls Club of Troy Youth of the Year.

Clark, who was named the Junior Youth of the Year recipient in 2020, will now compete against members of other Boys & Girls Clubs in the state for the Michigan Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship.

“Ian has been one of the most active members at the Boys & Girls Club of Troy. … We have witnessed him grow over his 10 years at the club, and (he) has become a positive role model for all of our youth here,” said Boys & Girls Club of Troy CEO Jeff Evans.

“I’m amazed by not only by how far Ian has come both academically and personally, but that he continues to give back to the club that has given him so much. His talent, personality and work ethic make him a well-deserved representative of the Boys & Girls Club of Troy and the local community.”

Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. Clark was selected for demonstrating sound character, leadership skills and a willingness to give back to the community.

“I thank the Boys & Girls Club of Troy for helping to grow me into the person that I am today,” said Clark.

“Thank you for providing me with a platform to share my story, to grow my voice, and to show pride and respect for my Club. I will also make sure that everyone knows how amazing it is to be a part of a great environment, the Boys & Girls Club of Troy.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Troy, located at 3670 John R Road, is a nonprofit youth development organization that provides educational and recreational activities, in addition to mentoring programs, to more than 1,200 children age six to 18, in the tricounty area of metropolitan Detroit.

For more information, visit www.bgctroy.org.