The Boys & Girls Club of Wichita Falls is proud to announce the July Youths of the Months! Macie Stouard, of the Southeast Branch, is representing in the Kiwanis Club category this month. Caiden Reed, of the Central Branch, represents the Clubs in the Optimist Club category, while Johnny “JT” Taylor will be representing the Rotary Club category for the month of July!
The Kiwanis Club of Wichita Falls sponsors youth members, ages 6-8, in the Youth of the Month Program. The Optimist of Wichita Falls sponsors our 9-12 members, and the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls sponsors 13-18 year old youth. Each Boys & Girls Club location will submit one youth member each month, from each age category, to compete for the City Wide titles! The youth featured in our monthly articles are the City Wide Winners and will be recognized during each of these Service Club’s July luncheons.
Interviewers, John Deason (of the Rotary Club), and Brian Anderle (of the Optimist Club) considered the following categories when selecting the youth members for the City Wide honors:
- Home & Family Involvement
- Community Contributions
- Academic Achievements
- Boys & Girls club Participation
- Spiritual Values
The nominees for the Kiwanis Division included:
- Dae`Shawn Mitchell, Rosewood Branch
- Hunter Mullins, Northwest Branch
- Annika Johnson, Southwest Branch
- Macie Stouard, Southeast Branch
- Tylor Harris, Central Branch
The nominees for the Optimist Division included:
- De`Irre Sumpter, Rosewood Branch
- Ethan McFaarland, Northeast Branch
- Francisco Senghor, Northwest Branch
- Anthony “TJ” Crump, Southwest Branch
- Macie Difilippo, Southeast Branch
- Caiden Reed, Central Branch
Nominees for the Rotary Division included:
- Johnny Taylor, Rosewood Branch
- Zha’Rea Martin, Northwest Branch
- Michael Ocaziones, Southwest Branch
- Belanna McKenzie, Southeast Branch
Generous sponsors for July include: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Times/Record News
Kiwanis Youth of the Month: Macie Stouard
Macie Stouard is a 6 year old Club Member of the Southeast Branch, where Ms. Joycelyn Downing is the Club Director.
Macie is a helpful young lady at home, in church, at school, and within her Clubhouse. Macie enjoys helping her parents with various household chores such as cleaning her room, doing the laundry, setting the table, helping with putting up groceries, taking care of the family dog, and much more!
Macie is also an active member in her church where she loves to praise the Lord in her church children’s choir, attends Sunday School lessons, and actively participates in Children’s Church.
As a 2nd Grader, Macie works very hard to maintain an A/B average. She most enjoys reading class. She is a very inquisitive young lady and enjoys seeking new knowledge. Macie states that she thinks school is important because, “I get to learn fun stuff, see my friends, take field trips, and I love my teachers!”
Macie is also a very involved Boys & Girls Club Member! She participates in the Arts & Crafts Program, Club Tech (computers), and the Triple Play Healthy Habits Program. Macie also enjoys swimming in the pool at the Central Clubhouse. Macie enjoys making new friends at the Club, making new members feel welcomed, and has an appreciation for the rules.
Optimist Youth of the Month: Caiden Reed
Caiden Reed is a 10 year old Club Member of the Central Branch, where Ms. Barbara Green is the Club Director.
Caiden enjoys being helpful at home, at school, and within his Clubhouse. Caiden helps around the house with various household chores such as cleaning his room, cooking meals, and taking care of the family dog. He also takes out the trash, helps keep the yard kept, takes care of younger siblings, and much more!
As a 5th Grader, Caiden works very hard to maintain an A average. He most enjoys math class! He is a member of the school choir, plays football, basketball, and soccer. Caiden states that he thinks school is important because, “it keeps me strong and healthy because it teaches me a lot about life!” Caiden plans to attend Midwestern State University and one day either become a physical trainer or a professional athlete.
Caiden is also a very involved Boys & Girls Club Member! He participates in the Arts & Crafts Program, Club Tech (computers), and the Triple Play Healthy Habits Program. He is also involved in Power Hour, Photography, Reading Club, the Passport to Manhood Program, and the Torch Club Leadership Program. Caiden is also an active member within our organized sports leagues, where he plays basketball, football, and indoor soccer.
Club Director, Barbara Green, states, “Caiden is very conscientious and helps out any way he can when he is at the Club. He is a natural leader!”
Rotary Youth of the Month: Johnny “JT” Taylor
Johnny “JT” Taylor is a 15 year old Club Member of the Rosewood Branch, where Mr. Rick Taylor is the Club Director.
“JT” helps out around the home, at school, within his church and community, and within his Clubhouse.
As a 10th Grader, “JT” works very hard to maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA. His favorite subject is math! “JT” is involved in the Drama Program as well as various sports programs. He is a member of the basketball and football teams. “JT” would like to obtain his MBA after attending either OU or TCU. He states, “School is key if society is to advance in both knowledge and technology.”
“JT” is a 10 year Club member and has experience in all areas of the club! As a former Youth of the Year (2015 & 2017) for the Rosewood Branch, “JT” is naturally a leader within his Clubhouse. He participates in the Arts & Crafts Program, Fine Arts Program (and has won several awards), Club Tech (computers), and the Triple Play Healthy Habits Program. He is also involved in Power Hour, Photography, Reading Club, the Passport to Manhood Program, and the Keystone Club Leadership Program. Finally, “JT” is also an active member with Peer Leadership, Smart Moves, Goals for Growth, and the Jr. Staff Program.
Club Director, Rick Taylor, states, ““JT” works hard at being a good example; as a student and athlete. he is a great Jr. Staff member at the Club and conducts himself well.”