Cross Keys Student Named Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) named Laura Ramirez its 2011-2012 Youth of the Year (YOY) at the signature Youth of the Year Dinner & Awards Ceremony held in early November at the Georgia Aquarium.
 
Ramirez, a senior at  where she maintains a 4.0 GPA, plans to attend Emory University and major in medicine.

Ramirez said the Club is the place where she found the motivation to “be hungry” for success. She credits the Club and her staff there for helping her overcome tough times, rise through challenges and realize her potential.

“It was the Club where I learned the value of education, college, and being a positive role model and leader. Every time I walk through the doors of my Club, I know I will walk out more fulfilled. I am proud to represent thousands of youth across metro Atlanta as Youth of the Year,” Ramirez said.

YOY is a year-round development program that honors Boys & Girls Club members as outstanding citizens and leaders. Each BGCMA Club selects one YOY winner to represent them. Selections are made based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership qualities and engagement in the Club and community.

Not only has Ramirez excelled academically, she is currently captain of the Cross Keys swim team, tennis team and BETA Club president. At her Boys & Girls Club, Ramirez is president of the Brookhaven Keystone Club, she’s a Junior Staff member and volunteers her time as a peer tutor in science and math.
 
“I don’t know where I’d be without the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club,” said Ramirez. “The Club is place where I feel safe every time I face a challenge.”
 
Ramirez says one of the hardest times she endured was when her father had surgeries due to kidney failure and she didn’t know if he would make it day to day. She says her Club helped her through that and taught her that through the hard times, we find passion to become a leader.

As a young Latina woman, Ramirez has faced resistance from her community because of her aspirations in life. Within her culture, women stay home and run the household –not pursue a career.

 “The theme this year was Face of the Future and Laura is a remarkable example of metro Atlanta’s future leaders,” said Missy Dugan, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro President & CEO. “Her inspirational story and her passion to succeed touched the hearts of everyone in the room. Throughout her trying times, Laura remains motivated to reach her goals and determined to give back and better her community, Club and peers. I have no doubt she will do great things in her future. Laura is living proof the Great Future Starts at BGCMA.”
 
As Youth of the Year, Ramirez was awarded a $5,000 college scholarship. In Spring 2012, she will continue to compete for statewide YOY honors.