We are beginning a new series in which each month we will feature a United Way Partner Agency’s client experience, demonstrating the impact that donations to United Way of Sheboygan County are making.  This month’s client experience comes from Boys & Girls Clubs of Sheboygan County.

For two years in a row, Koryez Scales has been selected as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sheboygan County Youth of the Year.  Koryez is a special young man, and we are extremely proud of him.  This week, we will announce our 2016 Youth of the Year.  In recognition of the hard work and leadership that Koryez has shown in the last year, I thought it would be appropriate to share part of the speech Koryez gave at the state Youth of the Year competition last March.

“In 1963, President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future’.  I don’t want to miss the great future ahead of me, and the Boys & Girls Club is helping me determine my path.

I have been a member of the Boys & Girls Club Stayer Unit for over two years.  When I was fresh on the scene, I was shy and nervous, but also curious about what I might find there.  I found a staff that encouraged me to get involved, valuable insight into my potential, and leadership opportunities.  I found friends and great programs. But mostly, I learned that I should reach as far as I can, because I can go as far as I want to go...

The Club isn’t just a group of friends and staff to me; it’s family…As one of the older members at the Club, I take responsibility as a role model.  I help reinforce the rules of the Club, and keep the young ones safe.  Isn’t that what older family members do for others?

‘Things do not happen.   Things are made to happen.’  This quote from President Kennedy tells us to make a difference in our world... By helping the younger members at the Club, I want to change this world we share.

If I had a magic wand, I would do something to help the working poor of our community.  It hurts me to see people struggle every day at two or even three jobs, and still not be able to make ends meet… I want this country to be the land of opportunity that our dreams promise.  When I enroll in college, I will be the first in my family to achieve that milestone.  But I do my best, because I want to do more than anyone.  I will make good things happen for me.  The Boys & Girls Club has helped me develop that drive, and given me the tools to achieve.  We need more places like the Clubs, more leaders like the staff there, to help youth develop and achieve that dream…

I have quoted John F. Kennedy twice in my speech, because he is my hero.  He was President, which I want to be.  He tried to change the world, which I want to do.  He supported all groups of society, which is important to me.  I want to close with one last quote from him.  ‘Once you say you’re going to settle for second, that’s what happens to you in life.’  I won’t settle for anything but the best.  No one can steal my shine, because it comes from inside of me – I own it.” 

Congratulations to Koryez on his achievement, and our thanks for being a great leader.  Our goal at the Boys & Girls Clubs is to build confident, successful young adults from all of our members.  Koryez is a great example of our mission.