Our very own Tavia Sturgill has been named the Virginia Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. The program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. As the Virginia Youth of the Year Tavia will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state and also receive a $5,000 college scholarship from BGCA.
This summer Tavia will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members within the Southeast Region. If named regional winner, she will be awarded an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military youth winner, will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2016, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable for four years, up to $100,000, and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States.
Fast Facts About Tavia
Name: Tavia Sturgill
Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia
City/State: Roanoke, VA
Age: 18
Length of membership: 9 years, 7 months
Defining Characteristic: Ambitious
Future Plans
Intended College/University: Coastal Carolina
Planned Major: Marine Biology
Career Aspiration: To get my doctorate in Marine Biology and open my own research firm.
Personal Quote: “There’s so much in the world…so much good, so much bad, so much success, so much failure, so much hope, so much lack of it…How can we be sure we’re doing enough when…there is so much in the world?”