The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls is proud to announce February Youths of the Month. Jade Aleman, of the Southwest Branch, is the Kiwanis Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month. Taylor Chambers, the Southeast Branch, is the Optimist Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month. Lorenzo Boyd Jr., from the Southwest 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 Jody Brannon &Tara Tuggle (Rotary Club of WF) and Bill Presson (Optimist Club of WF) 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:
- Akayla Akers, Rosewood Branch
- Dazarian Mitchell, Northeast Branch
- Breigh Pike, Southeast Branch
- Rafael Ortiz, Central Branch
- Lashayla Green, Northwest Branch
- Jade Aleman, Southwest Branch
Nominees for the Optimist Division included:
- Tony Veasy, Rosewood Branch
- Eric Williams, Northeast Branch
- Matthew Agunbiade , Northwest Branch
- Kyle Hoang, Central Branch
- Taylor Chambers, Southeast Branch
- Logan McAllister, Southwest Branch
Nominees for the Rotary Division included:
- Jhon’Tyrio Reynolds, Central Branch
- Beyonce Mabry, Rosewood Branch
- Fernando Villagomez, Northeast Branch
- Tavion McKinney , Northwest Branch
- Kenzyie Knapp,Southeast Branch
- Lorenzo Boyd, Southwest Branch
Generous sponsors include: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Times/Record News
Jade is the seven year old daughter of Pam Pruitt. She attends the Southwest Branch where Ms. Tori Smith is the Club Director.
Jade has one brother and three sisters. Jade is very helpful around the house vacuuming, sweeping, and helping her mom with the laundry. She also helps her little sister with her homework and keeping her room clean.
As a 1st grade student at Fowler Elementary, Jade proudly maintains an all A- report card. Her favorite class is Math. She believes learning in school is important because it makes learning next year easier.
Jade has been attending the Southwest Branch for one year. She enjoys participating in the annual Fine Arts Exhibit, the Photography Program and is active in the Computer Tech Program. She can also be found taking part in Power Hour, reading programs, and serving as a “helper” in the Kids’ Café Food Program.
Assistant Branch Director Cara Herr said, “Jade is one of our most helpful and responsible young members.”
Taylor is the 11 year old daughter of Tyrone and stepmom Nikki Sherman. She attends the Southeast Branch of the Boys & Girls Club where Mrs. Charlene Vomastek is Director.
Taylor is a part of a large family with four step-sisters and two step brothers. Some of her responsibilities at home include keeping her room clean, helping with kitchen duties, washing dishes, and helping to prepare meals. The family has two dogs and two snakes which Taylor and her sister feed and water daily! Taylor and her sisters also see that the trash is put out for pick up.
As a 5th grader at Southern Hills Elementary School, Taylor maintains an A/B average. Math and Science are her favorite subjects. She is a member of the choir, Safety Patrol, and serves as Class President. She hopes to become a medical doctor someday.
Taylor has been a dependable Boys & Girls Club member for the past year and is active in a variety of programs and activities. Her favorite past time is helping out behind the front desk, as a Jr. Staffer, serving her peers and acting as greeter when parents and new members come into the Club. She is active in Smart Girls, Torch Club Healthy Habits, Triple Play, and reading programs.
Director Charlene Vomastek said, “Taylor loves and respects others and is honest in her dealings with others!”
Lorenzo is the 14 year old son of Lorenzo Boyd Sr. and Dakki Mack.
Lorenzo has attended the Southwest Branch for the past six years. He takes his role of a veteran member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls very serious and his achievements and participation have been many. He participated in the Torch Club for four years and served on the fundraising committee as well as dozens of community service projects. His list of program involvements include the Football Program, Torch Club, Power Hour, Tutorial Program, Fine Arts, Photography, Smart Moves Clubs, Reading Programs, and Passport to Manhood. Lorenzo is also a Junior Staff member and very helpful serving his peers and setting an example of leadership. He has participated in annual special events such as Optimist Tri-Star Competition, Elk’s Hoop Shoot Competitions, and citywide Christmas Parties.
Lorenzo attends St. John’s Baptist Church and has been attending with his grandmother for the past four years. He is a member of Sunday school.
Lorenzo is an 8th grader at McNiel Junior High School maintains an A/B average. He is a fan of physics because he enjoys the projects and seeing how all the pieces fit together. He was a participant in the DARE Program and a member of the student council. Lorenzo is a student athlete participating in Football, Basketball and Track programs. He is in the Pre-Advanced Placement Program and has an interest in Mechanical Engineering.
Assistant Branch Director Cara Thomas said, “Lorenzo is kind hearted and leads his peers by example.”