The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls is proud to announce November Youths of the Month. Frank Anderson, of the Northwest Branch, has been selected as the Kiwanis Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month Amaia Martin, of the Southwest Branch, has been selected as the Optimist Club of Wichita Falls Youth of the Month. Ra’Daujnea Foster, of the Northeast Branch, has been selected as 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 were Warren Gardner, representing the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls, and John Ferguson, 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:
- Denora Leavell, Rosewood Branch
- Xiaya Canada, Northeast Branch
- Frank Anderson, Northwest Branch
- Jaydah Smith, Southeast Branch
- Zino Uzezi-Itesa, Southwest Branch
- Adrian Valdez, Central Branch
Nominees for the Optimist Division included:
- Dreadon Veasy, Rosewood Branch
- A’marie Martinez, Northeast Branch
- Jakiah Perterson, Northwest Branch
- Skylar Peters, Southeast Branch
- Amaia Martin, Southwest Branch
- Alex Valdez, Central Branch
Nominees for the Rotary Division included:
- Ga’shyah Robinson, Rosewood Branch
- Ra’Daujnea Foster, Northeast Branch
- Chloe Pope, Northwest Branch
- Triston Rodgers, Southeast Branch
- Kimberly Findlay, Southwest Branch
- De’mitrius Williams, Central Branch
Generous sponsors include: Taco Casa and Times/Record News
Frank Anderson is the 8 year old grandson of Jerome Taylor and Shirelle Willis. He attends the Northwest Branch where Mr. Jerry Taylor is Club Director. Frank has been attending the Northwest Branch for the past two years. He enjoys participating in all areas of the Club, especially the Learning Center. He is involved in Computer Tech, Power Hour, Reading Programs, the Photography Exhibit, and drawing and coloring for Fine Arts. Frank has also participated in Smart Moves, Healthy Habits, Triple Play Challenges and Boys & Girls Club Basketball and Football Programs. Frank enjoys swimming at the Central swimming pool and has been to Camp Graham Ball several times. He is also in the Buddy Club which was developed to address bullying issues.
Frank has two sisters and three brothers. He is a very big help to his grandparents around the house and enjoys helping his grandma with kitchen duties. Additional responsibilities include keeping his toys picked up and put away, taking care of the family dog, and taking out the trash. Frank attends St. Matthews Baptist Church where he is in the choir and attends Sunday school. Frank has an A/B average at Kate Haynes Elementary. His favorite class is Reading and he likes school because he “likes learning stuff”.
Assistant Branch Director Joycelyn Downing said, “Frank can often be found helping staff and standing up for others.”
Amaia is the 12 year old daughter of Staci Bailey. Amaia attends the Southwest Branch of the Boys & Girls Club where Ms. Tori Smith is Director.
Amaia has a sister who is 17 years old and a brother who is also 12. Amaia is a very big help to her mom. She does the family laundry, helps with cooking and kitchen duties, and helps care for the family pet.
Amaia has attended the Heritage Assembly of God for 7 years. She is actively involved with Children’s Church and the church’s youth group.
As a 7th grader at McNiel Junior High School, Amaia maintains a better than 4.0 average. Social Science is her favorite subject and she believes “a proper education will get you a great career”. Amaia is a member of the choir and enjoys singing and making music with her friends.
Amaia has been a dependable Boys & Girls Club member for the past six years and is active in a variety of departments all around the Club. Her favorite pastime is serving as a mentor for younger members while helping out with Power Hour Homework assistance times. She has participated in both Arts & Crafts and Photography Programs. Additional programs and activities include Smart Moves, Smart Girls, Reading, Triple Play Challenges and Healthy Habits, and swimming at the Central Branch. Amaia assumes leadership roles in the club as a Keystone Club member, Peer Leader, and Jr. Staffer.
Director Tori Smith said, “Amaia can do it all, if she were older, she would be working as a staff member!”
Ra’Daujnea is 15 years old and is the granddaughter of Claudie Scroggins.
She is a seven year member of Eastside Faith Center where she is a part of the church’s youth group. Ra’daujnea is also involved with the Straight Street, Youth Opportunities Center, and the YMCA.
This young lady has been a Club kid for the past nine years attending three different branches. She has won numerous awards in the annual Fine Arts Exhibit. She also participates in Club Tech, Power Hour, Junior Staff, Keystone Club, Kids in Control, Smart Moves, and Smart Girls. Over the years, Ra’Daujnea has been active in the Triple Play Healthy Habits, Gym Challenges, Peer Leaders, and Goals for Growth programs. The Optimist Club has recognized her as an outstanding youth leader at their annual 95% Youth Recognition Dinner.
Ra’Daujnea is a Freshman at Hirschi High School. She is in the choir and is a member of the volleyball and basketball teams. She is undecided on a career but is aware that an education is critical for survival in today’s world.
Branch Director Kimbrough Ball said, “Some of her many qualities as a leader include intelligence, poise, and a caring attitude.”