Submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Faith Doctor, representing the Lacey Boys & Girls Club, was named the 2020 Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Youth of the Year at the organization’s annual community celebration held January 31. She earned the Youth of the Year honor by competing against Club winners from each of the five Thurston County Club locations.
Faith now advances to the Washington state Youth of the Year competition March 26 in Seattle and possible regional and national competition, with scholarships awarded at various levels of advancement. Each competing Club member in the Youth of the Year program has to meet academic and community service requirements, write essays, submit letters of endorsement, and prepare, and present a speech about their experiences.
Faith, a senior at Timberline High School in Lacey, gave an emotional and inspiring speech about the impact her Club experience had for her during a particularly difficult period of grief and multiple losses. Her interests include advocating for better mental health resources for teens, mentoring others, and bowling. Faith has been a Club member for 10 years and credits support from Club mentors as one of the major impacts of her Club experience. She has amassed over 200 hours of volunteer service and participated in numerous Club programs, most recently serving as a Jr. Staff member helping assist and mentor younger members. As the 2020 Youth of the Year winner, she received a two-year tuition grant from South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC).
“All of our Youth of the Year nominees are evidence that we have much to be hopeful for. They remind us that adversity can be overcome and that the Club can be a powerful asset in helping them navigate whatever challenges they face,” says Chris Woods, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “We look forward to seeing all the great things Faith will accomplish through the Youth of the Year state competition and beyond.”
Several community partners and supporters made the Youth of the Year program and celebration possible including lead sponsors Team Agtarap, South Puget Sound Community College. Harbor Wholesale, Olympia Federal Savings, and Wells Fargo.
