Benton Harbor teen named Michigan Youth of the Year

BENTON HARBOR, MI. (WNDU) – A Benton Harbor teen has been named Michigan Youth of the Yr.

“After I first heard my title known as once I received, I used to be ecstatic, like I actually couldn’t consider it.” 17-year-old Donovan Frazier was chosen by the Boys and Ladies Membership of America, making him the ambassador for the youth within the state.

“It’s a problem, and I really like challenges,” Frazier stated.

Based on Frazier, he began going to the Boys and Ladies Membership on the age of 9.

“Initially, I used to be coming in simply to fulfill new folks and simply to have one thing to do after faculty,” Frazier stated.

Including that finally it grew to become a type of secure haven.

“I believe it’s some what of a house away from dwelling. So, for me once I come right here, I routinely really feel like I’m at dwelling,” Frazier advised 16 Information Now.

After seeing his management in varied applications on the Membership, lecturers and mentors steered to Frazier that he apply to be the Youth of the Yr.

Frazier stated that at the beginning, he wasn’t actually , however determined to offer it a strive, and mentors stated that they had nothing however religion and him.

“Very, very wonderful younger man… Positively knew that he was able to fulfilling that duty as Youth of the Yr, so it wasn’t shocking in any respect when he ran and received,” stated LaToya Turner, the Director of Household and Alumni Companies for the Boys and Ladies Membership of Benton Harbor.

To ensure that Frazier to be chosen, he needed to undergo a number of hurdles, together with a 15 minute interview, and a 3 minute speech, in addition to different necessities.

Based on members of the membership, that is the fifth time prior to now 22-years that the state winner has been from Benton Harbor, and Frazier stated that he’s excited for all the duties that come together with the title.

“Simply to point out them that it is a secure haven for you, to specific your self, and to be your self, and , , discover pursuits,” Frazier stated.

Now, Frazier will put together for the subsequent spherical; the Midwest Youth of the Yr, telling16 Information Now that he was grateful for what the membership had carried out for him, and couldn’t wait to share it with the youth.

“The membership has helped me so much, and I hope that extra folks can see that and , specific themselves by means of it,” stated Frazier.

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