Local Youth of the Year shines in Columbus

TOLEDO – Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo Organizational Youth of the Year Tamyah Griffin was a finalist in the Ohio Youth of the Year competition at the The Athletic Club of Columbus.

Griffin, a senior at Morrison R. Waite High School, delivered her speech about her Club experience flawlessly at a luncheon attended by members and staff from across Ohio. Griffin credited her time with Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo with helping her realize her dreams can become reality.

“From the beginning, the Boys & Girls Club made me feel welcome,” she said. “The staff all smiled and greeted me and spoke to me, without knowing who I was. They helped me realize that I don’t need to shrink myself or my dreams. Yes, I am different. I am an artist, and I can make a future for myself with my art.”

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s signature leadership award. The honor began in 1947 and includes local, state, regional and national competitions.

Griffin has a passion for visual arts and is the founder and president of Waite’s debate club. She is also treasurer of the National Honor Society and her senior class and a member of the Young Women of Excellence. 

“I learned to overcome the imaginary limits that have been set for me, and now I use my voice to help others realize that we do not need to dream within reason, “ Griffin said. “If we want it, we have to go out and get it.”

She is a TEC Teen junior staff member at the Carson Family Boys & Girls Club and is president of the Keystone Club, a leadership group for members 14 and older. In 2023, she received the John E. Gunckel Award for service.

As a TEC Teen, Griffin assists adult staff with implementing Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo programs and engages with young members as a mentor.

Griffin plans to attend Bowling Green State University and pursue a career in animation design.