The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls is proud to announce September’s Youths of the Month. Tristann Simpson, of the Southwest Branch, is selected for the Kiwanis category in the Youth of the Month Program. Azaria Reece, of the Northwest Branch, is the Optimist candidate. Domonicc King, of the Rosewood Branch, has been selected to represent as the Rotary Candidate for the Youth of the Month Program.
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 year old members, and the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls sponsors the 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 August luncheons.
Interviewers Stacie Cook, Rotary Club of Wichita Falls, and John Luig, Optimist Club of Wichita Falls, considered the following categories while selecting the City Wide Youths of the Month:
- Home & Family involvement
- Community contribution
- Academic achievements
- Boys & Girls Club participation
- Spiritual values
Nominees for the Kiwanis Division included:
- Edward Neal Jr., Rosewood Branch
- Spotted Eagle Tall Chief, Northeast Branch
- Tahlia Weaver, Northwest Branch
- *Tristann Simpson, Southwest Branch
- Raymond Figueroa, Southeast Branch
- Makalah Cotton, Central Branch
Nominees for the Optimist Division included:
- Desmen Johnson, Rosewood Branch
- Jamie Martinez, Northeast Branch
- *Azaria Reece, Northwest Branch
- Harley Henderson, Southwest Branch
- Errion Williams, Southeast Branch
- Noah Castro, Central Branch
Nominees for the Rotary Division included:
- *Dominicc King, Rosewood Branch
- Terrance Williams, Northeast Branch
- Victoria Johnson, Northwest Branch
- Damion Fisher, Southwest Branch
- Kyra Handy, Southeast Branch
- Brysen Brower, Central Branch
Generous sponsors for July include: Marco’s Pizza and Times/Record News
Tristann Simpson is the 6 year old son of Malisa Drullinger. He comes from a large family, and has three sisters and two brothers! Tristann attends the Southwest Boys & Girls Club Branch where Ms. Tori Smith is Club Director. Tristann is always willing to help around the house and with keeping his room clean. Tristann also helps care for the family’s 4 dogs, putting out the trash, and he helps with the family’s laundry. Tristann tells us he likes to be a big brother and help out with his younger sisters.
Tristann just began the 1st grade and he works hard to maintain his Straight A’s average. He says that math class is his favorite and believes school is important because “I can learn new things!”
Tristann enjoys going to the Boys & Girls Club very much. While attending the Club, he enjoys playing basketball and football. He also participates in Arts and Crafts, Club Tech (computers), Power Hour Homework Club, Summer Camp, and Triple Play Challenges in the gym. He also looks forward to swimming at Central location’s swimming pool during the hot summer months.
Several of his Club staff members had wonderful things to say about Tristann. Club Director Tori states, “Tristann is such a sweet young man! He really does believe in treating others the way they should be treated. He is nice to everyone and is willing to help out at any time!”
Azaria Reece is the 10-year old granddaughter of Jimmie & Donna Reece. She has one brother and one sister. Azaria helps out around the home by working hard to keep her room clean and organized, cooking meals, washing the dishes, and she takes care of her pet hermit crab. Azaria states that she enjoys being a good big sister by helping out with her younger brother and sister when it is needed!
Azaria is a 5th grade student who maintains a 3.5 or higher GPA. Science is Azaria’s favorite subject and she likes to participate her school’s choir. Azaria believes school is important because “it is where you learn and become educated!” She says she wants to go to college and become a teacher when she is grown up!
Azaria is an active member within the Church, as well. She attends services each week and is a part of the children’s ministry.
Azaria’s home club is the Northwest Branch where Mr. Jerry Taylor is the Club Director. She has been going to the Boys & Girls Club for 4 years. During this time she has been very active in the Learning Center, Art Center and Gym. Azaria participates in Photography and Arts & Crafts (where she has even won awards for her artistic abilities!), the Power Hour Program, Club Tech Program (computers), and the Reading Club Program. She is also an active member of the Smart Girls Program, Junior Staff, Peer Leaders, and she enjoys Triple Play Healthy Habits and Challenges in the gym. Azaria loves to go to Camp Graham Ball during the summer and she looks forward to swimming at the Central club’s pool during the hot summer months. Finally, she is a previous Youth of the Month, continues to maintain her good status within the Club.
Director Mr. Taylor states, “Azaria always has a willingness to help other members and the staff. She is always a leader among her age group.”
Dominicc King is a member of the Rosewood Branch where Mr. Rick Taylor is the Director. He is the 13 year old son of Tenisha King. Dominicc has one younger sister and one older brother. He helps out his family at home by cleaning his room, cleaning the house, cooking meals on occasions, and he washes the family’s dishes. Dominicc also takes out the trash and helps supervise his younger sibling.
Dominicc is an 8th grader, and is carrying above a 2.5 GPA. Dominicc’s favorite subject is Math! He states that “school is important because I need to be smart for life,” a,d plans to attend MSU and become a police officer.
Dominicc is an active member in his church and community as well. He is a member of the P.O.E.M. Christian Center where he has enjoyed attending services with his mom for the past year. He is active in the Church by attending services, youth groups, and he plays guitar in the church choir! Dominicc is also involved in his community by participating in the YMCA and the YOC (Youth Opportunity Center).
Dominicc has served as an active member and role model within his Boys & Girls Club for nearly 4 years now. Some of his favorite programs include Arts & Crafts, Club Tech (computers), Power Hour, and the Reading program. He also serves as a Peer Leader through the Junior Staff Program, Passport to Manhood Program, Smart Moves, and Goals for Growth progarms. As if he weren’t busy enough, Christopher can also be found participating in the Triple Play & Healthy Habits programs, swimming, and has attended the Camp Graham Ball summer camp program. Dominicc is also a previous youth of the month and continues to maintain his good status in the Club!
Club Director Rick Taylor says “Dominicc comes to the Rosewood Club every day with a big smile and a ‘can do’ spirit. He loves helping out and has earned the right to be a Junior Staff Member. He likes mentoring and helping other members, and I believe this young man will work very hard to be successful in his future.”