A local high school senior is headed to Raleigh to compete in a statewide competition for Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Cameron Majette just got back from a weeklong stint in the Governor’s Page Program last month, so he may feel right at home when he attends a reception with lawmakers in the Executive Mansion Friday evening.
No matter Friday’s decision by the judges, Vance BGC Unit Director Evelyn Taylor said Majette’s a winner in her book.
“He has blossomed into a leader,” Taylor told WIZS News Thursday. A club member for 11 years, Majette used to be on the shy side, Taylor said, but that shyness has been replaced with a high level of confidence.
“I’m so proud of him,” Taylor said, “I’m beaming with pride.” She said his influence and leadership throughout the club is palpable, he helps younger children with homework and is helping to re-establish the Keystone Club at the Vance Unit.
The Henderson Collegiate senior was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for being named the BGCNCNC (North Central North Carolina) youth of the year. He’ll go up against about 20 others for the statewide honor.
The young people will assemble at PNC Arena in Raleigh Friday morning, and a panel of judges will review all the information packets, which includes a nomination form, letters of reference and three personal essays about his club experience, what matters to him and his personal growth, Taylor said.
Each will have a 3-minute speech which basically will be a combination of the three essays, Taylor noted, and judges will evaluate the candidates’ overall public speaking.
Whether in front of a group of judges or back at home in the club, Taylor said she believes Majette’s confidence and focus will serve him well.
“He definitely found his voice and he is not afraid of using it,” Taylor said.