Sandusky grad ends Youth of the Year run

SANDUSKY — A recent Sandusky High School graduate's Boys & Girls Clubs journey recently came to an end. Samarion Newell recently competed in Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2023 Midwest Youth of the Year competition in Chicago, but didn't advance to the national competition in New York City. Newell, who graduated from high school in May, will attend Cleveland State University this fall to study finance. In April, Newell was named the 2023 Ohio Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year at a conference in Columbus and was awarded a $20,000 scholarship. The check was presented by Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. "We are extremely proud of Samarion and the hard work he puts into everything he does. He is such a great ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio," said Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio CEO Allen Smith in April. In February, Newell was named Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio's 2023 Youth of the Year and won a $5,000 scholarship. At Sandusky High School, Newell played varsity soccer, basketball and tennis, gained college credits through his studies and was a member of student council, National Honor Society, United Black Students and Business Professionals of America. He has also been an officer in the Keystone Club, a leadership group and at the Boys & Girls Clubs' Sandusky Teen Center and volunteers in the community. Since age 12, Newell been a Boys and Girls Club member. Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio area director Jerome Johnson — one of Samarion's strongest mentors since Johnson was a Sandusky Schools administrator — congratulated Newell on his recent Boys & Girls Clubs accolades. "Working alongside Samarion has been an absolute delight, and his unwavering commitment, determination and dedication have truly been awe-inspiring," Johnson said. "Although Samarion did not secure the title of Midwest Youth of the Year, he represented the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and the entire state of Ohio with remarkable grace and distinction. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments and the way he exemplifies the values of our organization." The Youth of the Year competition is one of the club's signature programs and is open to all members ages 14-18 who meet academic standards and are involved in community and club activities. Through the Youth of the Year program, young people showcase their talents and achievements, share their hopes and dreams, and work toward a bright and positive future. Candidates emerge through year-round recognition programs in their local clubs, progressing through state and regional events, culminating in a weeklong celebration in Washington, D.C., where one is named the National Youth of the Year — the highest honor bestowed upon a club member. The Boys and Girls Clubs focus on healthy lifestyles, academic success and character development. The area chapter, which was formed by the 2019 merger of Clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky, now has 50 locations in five counties.