On January 28, Boys & Girls Club member Johntavious Metilus received the highest honor a Club member can receive.  He was named the 2008 Youth of the Year at the fifth annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County’s Youth of the Year and Volunteer Recognition Awards Banquet.  He will go on to compete at the state competition in Orlando.

Upon receiving the award, Metilus thanked God, his mom and the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs.  If he wins the state competition he’ll go on to the regional and then national competition.

Metilus, a member of the Vero Beach Club, was selected from among two other finalists, Ashton Terry from the Sebastian Club and Joseph Lindor from the Teen Center. 

Finalists were evaluated on their academic performance, commitment to community service, leadership abilities, public speaking ability, and dedication to the Club and their family.  Judges Bob Solari, County Commissioner, Matt McCain, School Board Member, and Erin Grall, Attorney, Grall, Glen and Grall also considered letters of recommendation from the finalists’ family members, school officials and mentors.

Metilus has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for six years and actively participates in the Club’s Junior Staff and Passport to Manhood programs.  He is also Vice President of the Keystone Club, and participates regularly in community service projects, not only with the Boys & Girls Clubs but at Vero Beach High School, the Firefighter’s Fair and Habitat for Humanity.  A student at the Freshman Learning Center and a first year cadet in the AF JROTC Program, Johntavious was recognized as an AF JROTC scholar for the first nine week grading period.

“The Club Staff basically helped raise me,” said Johntavious.  “I love the Club.  It has become my second home.”