In addition to winning this prestigious title, Williams will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation. He is among hundreds of Youths of the Year across the country that join Boys & Girls Clubs of America in celebrating A Legacy of Hope & Opportunity during the 60th anniversary of the Youth of the Year program.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader's Digest Foundation.

"The Reader's Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947," said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader's Digest Foundation. "For 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Jubrill Williams, for their dedication to their families, Club and community, and for helping them achieve their academic and career goals."

The eldest of three children raised by his mother, 17-year-old Williams plays a large role within his family. After losing his father at a young age to street violence, he assumed the responsibility of assisting his mother in the upbringing of his younger brother and sister. From providing homework help to his siblings, to assisting his mother with household expenses, Williams' commitment to his family is unmistakable. He frequently says one of his greatest responsibilities is to be a role model and mentor to not only his siblings, but to his peers and those younger than him at the Boys & Girls Club.

Since joining the Navy Yard Clubhouse 12 years ago, Williams has been a stand-out leader inside and outside the Club. He has been involved in every leadership, education, guidance, and empowerment program the Club has to offer, and is now a junior staff member.
Williams continues to participate in Club activities, serving as a mentor to younger members and an outspoken advocate for the Boys & Girls Club to his peers.

Like his commitment to his family and the Club, Williams is strongly committed to uplifting his community. His participation in community service projects around Brooklyn, including beautification of city parks, renovation and clean-up of P.S. 287's library, and coordinating toy drives for children at Brooklyn Hospital, illustrates how truly dedicated and committed he is to helping his community.

Williams will graduate in June from Bedford Academy High School, and will begin classes at SUNY Delhi College this fall in the Culinary Arts program. Upon graduation, Williams plans to become a chef in one of New York City's finest restaurants. Following that success, Williams intends to learn the business of restaurant management and open his own restaurant in Brooklyn.

"Jubrill and all Youth of the Year nominees offer proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people," said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA. "We are thankful to the Reader's Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members reach their goals."

This summer, Williams will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA's Northeast Region. If named regional winner, he will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office.

As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million towards BGCA, and 60 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year. For more information about the 60th anniversary of the program, visit www.bgca.org/yoy.