Destiny McClendon Named BGCNCG 2021 Youth of the Year

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Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently named Destiny McClendon its 2021 Regional Youth of the Year. McClendon, who served as the 2020 YOY for BGCNCG, is no stranger to the Youth of the Year competition. Destiny is the first BGCNCG youth to win the title two years in a row. As a senior at Lake Oconee Academy, she’s looking forward to competing one last time at the state level. 

“Youth of the Year is the highest honor a youth can receive,” Bob Mackey, CEO and President of BGCNCG, shared. “We value the dedication of our youth and are committed to investing in their futures. And we’re thrilled to see Destiny continue to chase her dreams!”

Mike Conrads, BGCNCG YOY Program committee member, shared his excitement for this year’s YOY.

“Destiny McClendon is a wonderful role model for our Club kids!  She is focused on her goals and dedicated to constantly improving herself. She is generous with her time at the Club and shares her learning with her peers and our younger Club members,” he shared. “I am amazed at her work ethic and what she has accomplished, and continues to accomplish, from athletics to academics to the Club and for her community.  We are so proud to have her represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia as our 2021 Youth of the Year!”

For Destiny, Youth of the Year is another extension of the possibility that her Club has offered her. 

“The Club is a sanctuary for some and an opportunity for others,” she shared. “Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club has given me the chance to rekindle old friendships and reinforce important values, that I use every day. The Club has shown me that the journey is more rewarding than the destination and that the differences I make can inspire one of our young members to change the world!”

Destiny will spend the next month preparing for the Georgia Youth of the Year competition where Youth of the Year candidates throughout Georgia will compete for the state title and continue on to the national competition. This year’s competition will be held virtually March 15.

Her coach, Pete Caulk, is looking forward to preparing for state competition. 

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“Destiny is the most coachable and hardest working young adult that I've had the pleasure to work with,” he shared. “Her accomplishments speak volumes about her intelligence, drive and ethics.  She will go far, and I look forward to reading about her successes in the future.”

The state competition is offering preparation opportunities for YOY competitors this year through virtual sessions. These sessions will be with various companies throughout the United States. They will cover virtual interviews, public speaking, and other career building elements. Each company will award a paid internship post each session. 

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com.