Holland teen will represent Midwest youth this week
HOLLAND — Isabel Shepard is gearing up to represent Holland on a national scale this week.
The local teen is a finalist for the National Youth of the Year Award from the Boys and Girls Club of America. Shepard is one of six club members — out of more than 3.5 million nationwide — in the running for the honor.
The national award ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in New York City.
Shepard’s journey to become a finalist began when she won the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland's competition in March. She won the state competition in May and the Midwest in late June.
More: West Ottawa senior Isabel Shepard named Michigan Youth of the Year
In a recent Instagram post by the Boys and Girls Club of America, Shepard shared what the club means to her.
“My club opened the door for me to flourish as a young leader and find my greatness, and encourage others to do the same,” she said.
Shepard, a recent graduate of West Ottawa High School, is a four-year member of the club. She plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University in hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.
During the local ceremony, Shepard spoke about the challenges associated with her father being sentenced to life in prison when she was just four. Shepard said she lost her confidence, sense of belonging and identity. Eventually, she found herself at a crossroads.
"Once I entered middle school, I knew my life could go in one of two directions," Shepard said in March. "I could allow my situation to dictate where I go, or I could put the pieces of my life back together and take control of my future. I chose the latter.
"Over the last two years, I have come to the realization that I am not responsible for the actions of my father. I'm no longer ashamed, but empowered. Although I used to feel lost, broken and alone, I stand here before you ambitious, persistent and confident in my destiny."
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Youth of the Year is the premier recognition program for the Boys and Girls Club of America. It began in 1947. Thousands of teens participate at the local level each year.
Shepard is the sixth member of the Holland club to win the state's Youth of the Year. She's the first local winner to win at the regional level since Abria Franklin in 2016.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland teen will represent Midwest youth this week
