Pictured above: Elyse Bailey participated in the Youth of the Year competition with a virtual presentation from the Westside Club in Fort Pierce. Elyse finished the competition in the top 6 in the state of Florida.
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County (BGCSLC) was the chosen host for the State Youth of the Year competition in partnership with the organization’s Florida Alliance. Normally that would mean a large venue, five hundred people in attendance, twenty-one Club candidates from across the state nervous with excitement, lots of bright shiny objects to showcase such a worthwhile celebration. This year with COVID the event went virtual with everybody presenting from their home base. BGCSLC was not short of their bright-shiny candidate to represent the County with Elyse Bailey.
In February Elyse was chosen to represent the county during a live Youth of the Year presentation on stage at Westside Church that was broadcast to everybody online. For the next month Elyse’s coaching continued with Ken Pruitt Clubhouse teen director, Cynthia Sanchez, and Tommy John, Community Outreach Coordinator. On April 7, the opening selection round of the state competition began. Following two days of presentations Elyse Bailey was selected as a top finalist with five other Club members from across the state.
“She absolutely killed it. Elyse was the best version of herself.” said Tommy John following her presentation.
On April 7, 2021, the opening selection round of the state competition began. Following two days of presentations Elyse Bailey was selected as a top finalist with five other Club members from across the state. “I am happy the way everything went because of everyone who came out to support and encourage me. To have the continuing support from the Club while I continue my own personal path to becoming an attorney is so important to me and my family” she said. Elyse and four other candidates were eliminated from the competition when the State winner from the Sarasota Boys & Girls Clubs was announced on the following Friday.
“Elyse is a fantastic testimonial that what we are doing with our members is working. We want to provide a path of self-improvement and stability while getting them on track for their own workforce readiness with jobs that they are passionate about,” said Will Armstead, BGCSLC Chief Executive Officer.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County is a non-profit organization with 22 Club locations, serving more than 16,000 diverse youth K-12 throughout the year with life-enriching programs. MISSION: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Please see for yourself by taking a tour of an area club by calling or visiting www.bgcofslc.org or at www.facebook.com/bgcofslc.
