There is not one binary trait which makes a great leader. It takes time, dedication, and resilience to become one. In today’s world and workplace, great communication skills, along with teamwork and a growth mindset, are essential to meet the challenging paths of adolescence and adulthood.
Each year Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis (BGCM) honors such a leader with its Youth of the Year award.
Kirsten Tilford’s speech, themed “How would you describe a strong woman? She is many things…” set a tone of confidence and maturity during her interview with a panel of judges — and helped her bag the BGCM’s YOY 2022.
Kirsten, a high school senior at White Station High School’s optional program, wants to become a Strategic Intelligence Analyst with the FBI. Kirsten volunteers at her church and holds a part-time job, as well as participates in her school’s drama club and Youth in Government.
“To receive the Youth of the Year award has been such an honor to me,” Kirsten says. “The other candidates all performed so well, and for the judges to have selected me is amazing. Honestly, I was in a state of shock at first. However, looking out to my family and seeing all the huge smiles on their faces overwhelmed me with joy.
“My mom is a big inspiration to me,” she continues. “She has always been extremely encouraging, and making her proud is something I always look forward to.”
Kirsten is also the track and field district team manager and a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis keystone club. She balances it all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. “The biggest message I want to spread to our youth is to never give up,” she says. “School can be tough and just quitting entirely can definitely seem like the easier way out. However, I want our youth to remember that they have a future to worry about, and one day might even have a family to take care of. Setting yourself up for greatness now will pay off big time in the long run.”
When asked about her experience as a member of BGCM, Kirsten said in a press release statement, “When I first started attending, I was a little apprehensive about fitting in and making friends. The majority of the kids that attend the club go to the same schools. I thought I would end up being the odd one out. However, I quickly learned that the staff was concerned about making me feel comfortable and relaxed in my new environment. I came in with my guard up thinking that I would be unable to connect with anyone there, but even the other kids made me feel right at home as soon as I entered the gym doors. The atmosphere was always so exciting and everyone around me seemed delighted to be there. I felt like I had been attending the club all my life. I will forever be grateful for the relationships I have made.”
BGCM hosted the annual Youth of Year competition in February and had three finalists, including Ashton S. (Craigmont), Kirsten T. (Samelson), and Zalena W. (Buckman). Kirsten Tilford of Ira Samelson Jr. Club won the BGCM Youth of the Year competition and will represent BGCM and the city of Memphis in the state competition in Nashville.
Youth of the Year is BGCM’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global, and integrated world economy. Youth of the Year is the highest award available in the Boys & Girls Clubs organization. The finalists were evaluated based on the written essays, interview session, public speaking, as well as overall application.
For more information on BGCM, visit twitter.com/BGCMemphis or facebook.com/boysandgirlsclubmemphis.