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Introducing the
A junior at Glasgow High School, Townsville is a consistent member of the Honor Roll and participates in the Student Government Association, basketball and baseball teams, yearbook committee, Leaders of America, and Jefferson Finance Awards committee. At the Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club, Townsville has served as President of the Keystone Club – a teen group dedicated to leadership, community service, and character building – for two years and volunteers for several projects and special events year-round. “As a 10-year member of our Club, Will has not only participated in a variety of programs, but he encourages other kids to participate in them as well,” said Stuart Sherman, Director of the Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club. “Our Teen Center is a huge success, due to teens like Will spreading the word among his peers. Due to Will’s popularity in school and in the community, the Teen Center immediately became a cool place to hang out – not only because of the opportunities offered, but because of the teens (like Will) that were present.” Sherman continued, “We always knew that Will would be our Club’s Youth of the Year…we were just counting down the years until he was eligible to compete.” Townsville participated with 11 other candidates from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state. Judging was based on leadership qualities and service exhibited through: home and family; moral character; service to community; school; service to Club; life goals; obstacles overcome; communication, including public speaking; and poise. According to Joseph L. Yacyshyn of Wilmington Trust, “Serving as a judge for the Youth of the Year was an exciting experience. Each of the candidates was remarkable and inspirational. They represent the best of the best of Delaware's young people. Although only one will advance to the regional event, all are winners. Wilmington Trust is proud to continue our sponsorship of this worthwhile program.” The eleven other finalists for Delaware Youth of the Year were: Brian Rosario, Appoquinimink Boys & Girls Club Anthony Flowers, Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club Jerel Breece, Claymont Boys & Girls Club Melanie Stalworth, Dover Air Force Base Boys & Girls Club Ki’Ara Rufus, Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club Charles Robinson-Snead, Laurel Boys & Girls Club Brittany Cupery, Oak Orchard Boys & Girls Club Lauren Ewing, Simon Circle Boys & Girls Club Gregory Henry, Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club DeVong Peck, Wesley College Boys & Girls Club Rebekah Stiegler, Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club
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 more than 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 over 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Will Townsville, for their dedication to their families, Club, community, and their academic and career goals.” “I think Will was a good choice for YOY because he is a very well rounded teen who is an example to all of his peers. He has been an active member of our club since he was 6, and the impact that he has made on teen programs here at the Greater Newark Club is tremendous,” stated Amber Hickman-Taylor, Teen Director of the Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club. |
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