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 Youth of the Year2011 Youth of the Year: Alex Pauliot Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac chooses one youth to represent their organization as the Youth of the Year. Candidates for this award typically exemplify what the Club does for youth, and is active in program participation. In addition, candidates are often looked to as leaders, and are individuals who reflect the positive attitudes, behaviors and values that Club hopes to install in all members. In 2011, the Club has selected Alex Pauliot as its recipient. Alex has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for 5 years, and has been active in many programs. She started as a member in the 21st Century Learning Center Program, where she took part in daily homework help and tutoring programs, as well as enrichment programs with groups of her peers. Since moving to middle school, she has been a regular attendee at the Teen Center, which started at the Franklin Unit, and has since moved to its new location at the Johnsonville Club. Alex can be seen on a regular basis doing homework in the study lounge, taking part in SMART Girls group, or just hanging out with friends in the Rec Center. Alex is also an active member of Keystone Club, which is a youth-led community service group where teens learn the benefits of volunteerism and engage in service projects throughout the Fond du Lac Area. Alex, like other youth at the Club, has overcome many obstacles and hurdles in her life. She continues to utilize the Club and its programs to better herself and reach her full potential. Haley Fellers, Teen Center program coordinator and AmeriCorps volunteer, said of Alex, “I have had a few years to get to know Alex and have enjoyed working with her at the Club. She has a great heart and the ability to be a strong leader in the Club throughout her high school years.” The Club congratulates Alex on her achievement this year, and she continues to be an example of how the Boys & Girls Club proves, without a doubt, great futures start HERE! Below is a copy of the speech recited by Alex at the Statewide Youth of the Year Competition in Madison:I started going to the Boys & Girls Club when I was in 1st grade. I went to After School Clubhouse at Riverside and my sister Amber and I were in the same room. We found it comforting to be with each other and I think it helped to make our relationship what it is today. I remember my grandma would pick us up at 5:30. My grandma has always been a big part of mine and my sister’s lives being looked to like a second mother. The Club has always provided something for me to do, not just during the week, but on the weekends as well. I’ve had the opportunity to visit other Boys & Girls Clubs in Wisconsin and compete in different challenges, competitions. At these competitions I am able to engage with other teens from different Boys & Girls Clubs. Because of events like these and attending the Boys & Girls Club in general, I’ve learned about different cultures, and get to experience diversity in all different aspects.
If you asked me now why I go to Boys & Girls Club I wouldn’t have a single answer for you. In fact, I could probably give you a new one every week! A big reason why I attend Club is because my friends are there. Not just my friends from school, but I have met teens from other schools and areas around Fond du Lac. It’s crazy how much the population of the Teen Center has grown compared to when we were at Franklin. It has given us a bigger and better opportunity of meeting new people. I’m lucky to have a place that my friends and I can attend after school hours to hang out and catch up with each other. The Club is a safe and fun environment that keeps us occupied and out of trouble.
I also enjoy going to the Club because it has given me the opportunity to learn new skills, gain new hobbies and find out more about myself! Through Keystone Club I have had experience in different service opportunities. We have gone to a number of different nursing homes and spent time with the residents, whether it was watching a movie, doing a craft or painting their nails. I have volunteered at Broken Bread and Loaves & Fishes. Through these I have found out that I enjoy being able to serve and help those in need. We are offered a variety of different programs and clubs to be a part of. We were given free haircuts from Rob’s Riverwood Salon & Spa for Girls Group and we go to Moraine Park for manicures, pedicures. I’ve made pasta, pizza bagels, Mexican salsa and many other recipes in Cooking Club. I already know how to write checks because of Money Matters and have found out my interests in the work force during Career Launch.
The staff at the Club is another big reason why I attend. The staff is there when you need an extra ear to listen and they make you feel not just like an individual, but also part of a huge family. Since I started attending Teen Center, Miss Haley has been there for me when I am struggling through obstacles, whether it is issues at home, school or even with my peers. She has been an awesome, understanding mentor who makes me feel confident and comfortable knowing that I can go to her for anything. When I walk into the Club, I feel like I am walking into a second home. The staff greets you with an open heart, making everyone feel comfortable in their own way.
The things I get out of Club are much more than words can explain. The Club has given me a chance to succeed in life and has helped to make a better person out of me. The volunteer hours that I have received through Club have been beneficial to me for preparing my future. I have had great experience from them in several types of work. I will be a freshman next year at Fond du Lac High School, which means I still have some time for deciding, but the Club has helped to teach me different areas of work and how to save money properly with programs like Money Matters and Career Launch. I hope to be able to start working in the next year or so to save money for college so I too can someday help impact children like the Club has done for me. |
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  Fond du Lac Area United Way, Inc. |
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