Youth power

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America want to be known as caring, encouraging places for kids.
“It goes along with the mission,” said Marcus Thompson, unit director of Waynesboro’s Boys and Girls Club. “We hope that what we’re doing is providing a safe and positive atmosphere – to feel safe and to be positive and to just have fun while they pick up on, and sharpen, skills. We hope we’re providing academic and life skills so they feel competent and that they belong and so they feel they have a place to go.”
Christina Logan, 16, agrees that the area club – the Boys and Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County – is serving her well.
“[The Boys and Girls Club] is a positive impact on someone’s life,” said the high-school junior. “And if you need somebody to care, they’re there.”
Logan is the winner of Youth of the Year award for the area organization – the Club’s highest honor. Christina has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club organization since she was 6 years old.
The process involved a period of interviews and written essays. Christina was judged on her contribution to her family, school, community and local Boys and Girls Club, in addition to personal challenges overcome.
Along with this honor, the 16-year-old was also awarded the L.S. McDowell scholarship. This $2,000 is bestowed upon organizational Youths of the Year to help them pay for their post-high school education. L.S. McDowell and his wife Mildred are ardent supporters of the Boys and Girls Club.
“She’s a charismatic young lady,” said Thompson. “She is always involved in whatever activities are going on, whether it be school or Boys and Girls Club. And not just the kids’ activities, but also things like fundraisers and helping out with the younger children.”
Christina is a member of Waynesboro High School’s cheerleading squad, as well as a member of the step team. She has also been a member of the Keystone Club at the Boys and Girls Club for the past three years.
Even as a 16-year-old, Christina has a very clear plan for her future.
Currently taking cosmetology courses at Valley Vocational Technical Center in Fishersville, after high school she plans to attend Norfolk State University to pursue her business degree. After college she intends to run her own cosmetology business.
Measured by the success of past members, the Club’s influence carries over into a productive, self-confident adulthood, arming children with the personal and academic tools needed to succeed in both school and life.
The club offers an alternative to city streets – and a place of belonging. The organization’s programs strive to instill confidence, a sense of usefulness and real world preparedness, all with the positive influence of interested adult interaction.
“We give young people a safe and positive place to come as well as encourage parents to spend quality time with their young people,” said DeWayne Moore, chief professional officer at Boys and Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County.