Youth of the Year 2010

Youth of the Year
Sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation, the National Youth of the Year Program is designed to promote and recognize service to Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Competition begins with each Club selecting a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion then enters state competition. State winners receive a plaque and $1,000 scholarship then enter the regional competition. Each of the five regional winners receives a $10,000 scholarship and enters the national competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 scholarship, totaling $26,000 in scholarships, and is installed by the President of the United States.

Deion Bessard
2010 Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana’s Youth of the Year

Deion Bessard from the Vermilion Unit is the 2010 Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana’s Youth of the Year. Deion is a sophomore at Abbeville High School and has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club for six years.

Deion has grown up without a father and his mother passed away the day after his 13th birthday. As a result, the club has become a second home and a safe haven to him. He considers the club staff part of his family. He enjoys participating in community service projects through the club, rather its raising money for Hospice or collecting can goods to help the Christian Service Center. Deion also enjoys giving back to the club and helping the younger children. Deion was very involved in the creativity and design of the clubs new “Teen Room” which was sponsored by Stine Lumber and Aarons.

After completing high school Deion plans to pursue his higher education in the field of Psychology.