Willette Schmidt Named Youth of the Year at South Boston Boys & Girls Club

Eighteen-year-old Willette Schmidt says, “Going to the Club has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. I see some of my peers that have left the Club and are doing nothing with their lives, turning to drugs and alcohol. The Club has allowed me to make the right choices in life because I did not want to end up like my own parents.”

Growing up, Willette was raised by her grandmother because her parents were unable to care for her.

The Club has been a home away from home for the past 11 years. She has worked there for five years as a Junior Staff member in several departments. In addition, she traveled throughout the country to volunteer with Keystone Club, a teen leadership program at the Club. In November 2008 she and other Club members gave up their Thanksgiving break to travel to San Miguel, Mexico, where they helped lay a foundation for a new home for a deserving family, and assisted at a local orphanage. She also reads to children and helps them with their projects at Julie’s Family Learning Program in South Boston.

Willette has overcome considerable obstacles to accomplish her goals in life. Next year, she hopes to attend college and one day become a police officer.

“I think it will be good for her to do something for herself," says a friend, "Because she always seems to be doing things for others without being asked, or expecting a reward.”