We are proud to announce the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley’s 2020-2021 Youth of the Year winner is Nevaeh Berry! This senior at Appleton North High School is determined to break the mold of what statistics say she is destined to be.
In her speech, Nevaeh talks openly about her challenges and experiences with racism and that she is tired of being quiet about what matters. She shares that having the fear of doing everyday things because of the color of her skin, has become her reality.
“In these moments of uncertainty, I turn to the Boys & Girls Club. The Club and the staff have always been my safe haven. The Boys & Girls Club was a way to escape reality.”
Nevaeh Berry – 2020/2021 Youth of the Year Winner
Nevaeh serves as vice president of her school’s Black Student Union. She is enrolled in the Fox Cities Leadership Academy and has received accolades, such as the BSU Excellence Award and Ronald Dunlap Awards.
Nevaeh has been attending the Club for the past nine years and shares that “Because of the Club, I’m on track to achieving my goals and most importantly I’m reminded every day that my life matters.” She actively takes part in the Club’s STAR initiative, and shares that her STAR Coordinator Miss Dennetra has been a strong force in her success. She was previously awarded runner-up for the 2019-2020 Youth of the Year.
“The Club has helped me with preparing for my future and being a positive and successful African American woman in society. I am looking forward to attending college next year and continuing to be a role model.”
As Youth of the Year winner, Nevaeh receives a $1,000 post-secondary educational scholarship, that is renewable annually for up to four years. In addition, she has the opportunity to participate in the state Youth of the Year competition in Madison this March.
Kali Stewart, a senior at Appleton North High School, and Morgan Kampel, a senior at Appleton East High School are this year’s runners-up. Each runner-up receives a $500 post-secondary educational scholarship and each of the remaining candidates receive a $250 post-secondary educational scholarship, all of which are also renewable annually for up to four years.
Watch Youth of the Year
More about Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley’s premier recognition program that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Candidates embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.
The process includes an application, interview with our Youth of the Year judges, and formal speech. Then at the event candidates share their stories of resiliency, determination and commitment. This year a total of six candidates advanced in the program.
Due to COVID-19 this year’s first-ever event took place on Thursday, January 21 at 6 pm and was shared on the Club’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. In their speeches, candidates shared how the Club impacts their lives. They also shared their vision for America’s youth.
Congratulations Candidates!
Other Evening Highlights
- “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys performed by former Youth of the Year winner, Kala Lones
- Announcement of a $250,000 matching gift challenge made possible thanks to the generosity of Club friend and philanthropist Mary Beth Nienhaus. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar to support the Club’s Great Futures Campaign. This Campaign is the organization’s multi-faceted push to meet the developmental needs of a growing population of young people, especially those most in need of the organization’s varied youth and family support. Click here to learn more.
A heartfelt thank you to our Youth of the Year host, Dave Lambert, Board of Directors, Dr. Maame Yaa Norman who also spoke at the event; and judges Ben Bruns, Jenni Eickelberg, Mary Beth Nienhaus, and Mike Weller.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Thank you also to our sponsors for supporting the program and providing these young people with educational scholarships.
For more information about Youth of the Year or to get involved with next year’s event contact Debbie Hass at dhass@bgclubfoxvalley.org
