The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta awarded Jaden Tarver from the A. W. Tony Matthews Boys and Girls Club in Mableton, Georgia, as their 2023-2024 Youth of the Year. Jaden Tarver was one of 18 exceptionally accomplished teens who presented speeches around the theme A Masterpiece in the Making. Jaden and other candidates gave the most inspiring speeches that left tears in the eyes of many audience members. Youth of the Year is part of the organization’s focus on character and leadership.
The year-long program recognizes teen Club members who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. The teen named Youth of the Year serves as its spokesperson for The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. Tarver will go on to compete for State, Regional, and National Youth of the Year.
I asked her to share how it felt to stand on the stage at the Coca-Cola Roxy and compete in front of a live audience; she explained that being on stage is familiar because she has performed as a dancer on many stages.
Tarver spoke about the Youth of the Year programming that included writing speeches and essays. She also had an opportunity to attend the National Youth Days of Advocacy in Washington, DC, where she learned to appreciate policymakers and advocated for mental health awareness.
I asked Tarver if she would share her winning speech with us, and she closed our conversation with sage words on her life, surely a Masterpiece in the Making.
For more information on The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta
Keep up with Jaden Tarver through BGCMA