Recently, the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Competition began all across the country. Since 1947 the Youth of the Year competition has been shouting out the awesome kids that call their local Boys and Girls Clubs a second home.
This week's Life in the Spotlight was chosen as the Youth of the Year from the Michigan City Boys and Girls Club. Brenda Dukes is a lovely young woman who is quite invested in the mission of the Boys and Girls Club.
"She's a great girl," Kristi Brosmer, Program Coordinator for Michigan City Boys and Girls Club said of Dukes. "She's very involved in the club, in her high school, and she loves to volunteer."
Dukes attends the Boys and Girls Club along with some of her nieces and nephews. She loves working with the younger kids, helping with the kindergerten group. She'll help them with daily activities like art, walk with them to the library swimming pool, and provide a positive example as an older person.
"I can help younger youth like me so they can understand the importance of helping out in the community," Dukes said.
In order to lead by example, one must have examples to follow. Dukes credits many of her mentors and adults in her life.
"Anthony Robertson is the Site Coordinator here and Kendric Neville is a member," Dukes said. "Mr. Robertson gets out there and helps us understand the importance of getting involved in the community and Kendric shows more responsibility and helps show me what to do to be more successful. He’s very enthusiastic and loves to help. I also want to thank Amy Wodjolinski, a resource teacher, and give credit to recovery teacher Miss Rivich. They helped me out and without them I wouldn't have come this far today. And most of all I want to thank my mom. She told me to pray for things that I can accomplish myself and she supports me in every way."
Dukes is a senior at Michigan City High School. When she graduates she wants to join either the National Guard or the Army.
"I want to better discipline myself," she explained.
And Dukes has plans for college. She wants to go to Ivy Tech and get a degree in either Computer Science or Special Education.
So give a nod to this great young lady. Dukes is definitely going places and we're happy to watch her star rise.