Scott Turner, a teen in the Detroit Arsenal Boys and Girls Club, was recenlty named as the 2013 Michigan Military Youth of the Year.
Scott is a very resilient young man who has the work ethic of a Draft Horse. He was only 4 years old when he lost his dad in a car accident that he himself survived. Scott came to the clubat 11 years of age as a shy boy who was trying to find himself. Scott's mom signed him up for a weekend community service trip and he's been with the club on his journey towards self discovery ever since. On his first day at the club, he left with a new found confidence and sense of belonging.
Scott has been an active member of the Detroit Arsenal Boys and Girls Club for the past 6 years. He has taken on the role of a community service representative, treasure, vice president and is currently a two-term president of our Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service. His enthusiasm for community service has spread throughout the club, and he was instrumental in our club receiving the Teen Nick Halo Award which recognizes teens who make a difference in their communities.
During 2012, he participated in every community service event we offered through the club except for one, because it was only open to girls! Scott was the 2011 and 2012 Garden Project Youth Leader in which a school garden was planted from start to finish by the youth in our club for our younger members to enjoy. In this role, he was responsible for ensuring the creation of 17 raised beds, the planting of 12 different vegetables, weeding of gardens throughout the summer months, harvesting and sale of vegetables, and management of money collected. Scott has the same smile on his face and determination in his heart whether he is sorting donated clothes at Second Hand Rose Thrift Store, painting walls for Habitat for Humanity, cleaning tables and mopping floors at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, or pulling weeds at Earthworks Community Garden. He truly exemplifies the ideals of leadership in service as he leads by example, not words.
Scott has demonstrated a high level of achievement and a commitment to excellence in both his school work and extracurricular activities. Scott balances his dedication and involvement in music with a very rigorous academic schedule. He received all A's in middle school, and was honored with the Principal's Award. At the International Academy of Macomb he has continued his academic success, currently holding a 3.45 GPA in a demanding academic environment. Upon graduation from high school, he aspires to attend the University of Michigan to pursue Psychology or Engineering.
Scott feels that the club is, "A place where I can be myself and help others throughout their lives". When asked what being named Military Youth of the Year for Michigan means, he said, "It's a testament to how much the club has helped me get my life back in line. Also it shows how great my club, its staff, and it's members really are". Upon receiving the Scholarship from Tupperware, Scott stated, "It is not only a major monetary aid, but it is also a psychological boost to me to help me push myself to be the best I can be both in college and in my life."
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