The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls is proud to announce March Youths of the Month. Elyna Orue, of the Central Branch, is the Kiwanis Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month. Kaylyn Adamick, of the Southeast Branch, is the Optimist Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month. Balana McKenzie, of the Southeast Branch, is the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month.
Service clubs sponsor three age divisions. Kiwanis Club of Wichita Falls sponsors 6-8 year olds. Optimist of Wichita Falls sponsors 9-11 year olds. Rotary Club of Wichita Falls sponsors 12-18 year olds.
Interviewers Warren Gardner, representing the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls, and David Cook, representing the Optimist Club of Wichita Falls, considered the following attributes while selecting the City Wide Youths of the Month:
- Home & Family Involvement
- Community Contributions
- Academic Achievements
- Boys & Girls Club participation
- Spiritual Values
Nominees for the Kiwanis Division included:
- Precious Nzehbiko Rosewood Branch
- Donyea Bryant, Northeast Branch
- Khloe Delvalle, Northwest Branch
- Jaleah Galmore, Southeast Branch
- Brian Collier, Southwest Branch
- Elyna Orue, Central Branch
Nominees for the Optimist Division included:
- Carrion Escort, Rosewood Branch
- Ean Beasley, Northeast Branch
- Desirea Colbert, Northwest Branch
- Kaylyn Adamick, Southeast Branch
- Nevaeh Forbins, Southwest Branch
- Sammy Worthy, Central Branch
Nominees for the Rotary Division included:
- Gordion Nzch-Biko, Rosewood Branch
- Destiny Dotson, Northeast Branch
- Dymeterion Wade, Northwest Branch
- Balana McKenzie, Southeast Branch
- Alees Erwin, Southwest Branch
- Alexandria Torres
Generous sponsors include: Taco Casa and Times/Record News
Elyna Orue is the 8 year old daughter of Roberto and Remi Orue. She attends the Central Branch Club where Mrs. Barbara Green is Club Director.
Elyna is a big help to her mom helping with the house work, washing dishes, and keeping her room cleaned and picked up. She puts out the trash and helps care for the family pet. She has two sisters and two brothers.
Elyna attributes her kind and caring personality to her upbringing and the church she attends. While at the club, she demonstrates a positive attitude towards everyone she meets and is always first to volunteer her help. She can be counted on to complete tasks thoroughly.
As a 4th grade student at Crockett Elementary Elyna is proud to be a straight “A” student and says science is her favorite subject. She says, “School is important because you need to get educated for a good job.”
Elyna is involved in activities and programs all over the Boys & Girls Club including Power Hour Homework Help, Reading Programs, Photography, Fine Arts, Basketball, Triple Play Challenges, Healthy Habits, and Swimming. She is also a member of Smart Girls and enjoys interacting with her peers.
Director Barbara Green said, “Elyna’s personality make her a great candidate for the Youth of the Month.”
Kaylyn Adamick is the 11 year old daughter of Ashley Wright. Her home club is the Southeast Branch where Mr. Troy is interim director.
Kaylyn shares the household chores with her twin sister and nine year old brother. Her chores include keeping her room clean and helping with the various tasks around the house. Kaylyn washes dishes, takes out the trash, helps with the care of the family pet, and helps her mom with shopping.
As a 6th grader at Ben Milam Elementary Kaylyn is maintaining a report card with A’s and B’s. Her favorite class is math. She says school is important “because it helps me get ready to go to college.”
Kaylyn has attended the Club for the last two years during which time she has been very involved in service programs. She enjoys being a Jr. Staffer helping behind the front desk. She enjoys activities in the art room, game room, and computer room. One of her favorite programs is the reading
Madelyn has attended Wichita Falls Baptist Church for the past six years. She attends Children’s Church, serves on committees, is active with the youth group, and also sings duets with her mother in the church.
Interim-Director Mr. Turner said, “Kaylyn shows respect to everyone and always has a cheery disposition!”
Balana McKenzie is the 16 year old daughter of Greg and Suzanne McKenzie. She attends the Southeast Branch of Boys & Girls Club where Mrs. Cheryl Horner is the Education Director.
Balana attends Faith Baptist Church, goes to Sunday school, participates in youth group activities, and volunteers in the nursery. Straight Street, Race for the Cure, and Teens make a Difference Day have also benefited from her community spirit.
Balana is an 11th grader at Rider High School where she has maintained a 3.0 or better GPA and says math is her favorite subject. She is a member of the school choir, book club, and is a class officer. She says, “School is important so I can learn in life and achieve my goals!” Balana would like to attend MSU and is interested in the Nursing field.
Balana is active in several programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs such as Computer Tech and Photography. She has participated as a Jr. Staffer, enjoys the Reading Programs, and games room tournaments.
Acting Assistant Club Director-Cheryl Horner said, “Balana has set high goals for herself and I am confident that she will attain them!”