Carlton Burrel was named the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan at an event held this week at the Secret Garden at the Harbor, downtown Benton Harbor.
Every year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America reaffirms its mission to inspire and empower today’s youth by celebrating exemplary youth in Clubs across the nation through the Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year programs. The Youth of the Year journey begins locally when youth, nominated by Club staff and peers, accept the challenge to rise above and make positive changes in their lives, Club and community. The Youth of the Year program in Greater Southwest Michigan is supported by the American Electric Power Foundation.
Carlton is a 16-year-old junior at Benton Harbor High School. He is the son of Tameka and Carlton Burrel. His favorite Club program is Passport to Manhood, a program designed to empower and educate young men, because it taught him the importance of education and becoming a responsible man.
In a speech to his peers, Club families and community supporters, Carlton talked about youth violence and its impact on him and those around him. “…the way that youth violence plays out across this nation makes places dedicated to learning feel like places designated for losing pieces of our humanity. Facing this reality daily, reminds me to be thankful for the space and opportunities that the Club provides for me to reclaim a safe haven for learning of my own,” he said. “The violence among youth in my school tried to rob me of my safe space to learn.
Thanks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, me, and Club kids like me, have this safe space and every opportunity and experience provided to us.”
Carlton discovered STEM at the Club and has plans to pursue a degree in engineering after high school graduation. “I hope to return as an alumni and inspire the the next generation to pursue STEM education,” he said. “I’ll continue to advocate for every kid to seek refuge at the Club – a true safe haven for learning.”
Carlton will compete with teens selected by each of the 16 statewide Clubs for the state of Michigan Youth of the Year title on April 21, 2025 in Lansing, MI.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, based in Benton Harbor, has a legacy of recognized leaders with the 2020 and 2022 winners, Tekeidra Masters and Donovan Frazier, going on to earn the titles of Michigan Youth of the Year and Midwest Regional Youth of the Year. Quincy Sulton, 2018 Benton Harbor winner was also named Michigan Youth of the Year. In 2014 Jasmnika Newbern was selected as the Benton Harbor and Midwest Regional Youth of the Year. Trianna Sutton Sims was the Benton Harbor and Michigan Youth of the Year in 2012.
To help young Club members understand the leadership journey, the Club also has a Junior Youth of the Year program for youth ages 10-13. This year, three Clubs in Greater Southwest Michigan participated in the program, naming a Junior Youth of the Year: Rhyli Pritchard, Benton Harbor; Jace Snodgrass, Sturgis; and Grace Keolisack, Bridgman.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan or to schedule interviews, contact Sherri Ulleg at 269.487.6690, or via email at sulleg@bgcbh.org.
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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Boys & Girls Clubs has served youth in Southwest Michigan since 1998. The Club provides after school and summer programs promoting academic and career development, character and leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles for nearly 3,400 youth and teens each year at two Benton Harbor legacy sites: the Fettig Youth Campus and Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, as well as community-based locations in Bridgman, Buchanan, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (Dowagiac), St. Joseph, and Sturgis. Learn more at www.bgcswmi.org.
About the Youth of the Year Program
Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The program is a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 to 18 as a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. State winners each receive a scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Regional winners each receive college scholarships, renewable for four years. The national Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship, renewable each year.
