Jamir Wright

Jamir Wright of Siler City was named the 2020 Youth of the Year on Thursday night by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina, which serves children in Lee, Chatham and Harnett counties.

The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 73rd year, the Youth of the Year program honors the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

Wright will go on to contend for the North Carolina Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This year’s North Carolina Youth of the Year will be hosted in Sanford by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina.

“I am so proud of Jamir and all of our Youth of the Year candidates. They truly represent the best of the Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Daniel Simmons, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina. “They are resilient, intelligent, compassionate, and motivated for success. I’m proud of my staff at the Clubs who have helped shape these wonderful young people into who they are today. This is a true reminder that great futures really do start at the Boys & Girls Clubs.”

Wright is a member of the organization’s Wren Family Center Boys & Girls Club in Siler City. Through the club, he has found a home away from home, said he feels empowered to lead by example, and that he has made lasting friendships with his peers.

“I know I can always count on the Boys & Girls Club to uplift me,” Wright said. “I could go to the club in the morning and be either upset or frustrated about something but the positive atmosphere at the Wren Family Center would do nothing but put a smile on my face. The club is an empowering place to be. Staff members always give me advice and tips on life and I have formed some of the closest and tightest bonds with new friends. I know that if I ever need anything, they’ll be there for me. Without the club, these friendships would not have been formed.”

If Wright wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of BGCA’s Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in fall 2020 to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000.

The Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by The Walt Disney Company, which has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota is the Signature Sponsor of the National Youth of the Year program.