AnDricus Deshon McClelland of Meridian will be representing Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi in Youth of the Year competition in Jackson.

Seventeen youth representing their local Boys & Girls Clubs will gather Wednesday in Jackson to vie for the chance to be named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Mississippi Youth of the Year or the Mississippi Military Youth of the Year. 

The Youth of the Year title is an honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 70th year, the program honors awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Each Boys & Girls Club in Mississippi selects one youth to represent traditional club members and one youth to represent military members.

AnDricus Deshon McClelland of Meridian will be representing the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi. He will go through an intensive interview process with a panel of judges. During an awards luncheon, the finalists will perform their “Boys & Girls Club Story” and a Mississippi Youth of the Year will be named.

The Youth of the Year will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and the chance to compete in the Regional Youth of the Year event for up to $40,000 in college scholarships. The Regional winner will move on to the Washington D.C. National event in September when they will compete for up to $100,000 in scholarships. One person will be named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.

Lamar student serves as page

Caroline Parker of Meridian recently served as a page for the Mississippi House of Representatives. Pages generally run errands for officials and House staff. Caroline is the daughter of Will and Page Parker and attends Lamar High School.

“I am so honored to have had the privilege to page for Representative Snowden this week,” Caroline Parker said. “I have a new appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication that goes on at the Capitol.”

L4-H Club receive awards

AT&T representative and long-time member of the 4-H Club Foundation Board of Trustees Randy Russell and Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith recognized the Lauderdale County Agri-Science 4-H Club during the 4-H Legislative Appreciation Luncheon Feb. 8 in Jackson. Members of the club received the Governor’s Award during the luncheon.

Suzanne Marshall writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to editor@themeridianstar.com.