West Ottawa senior Isabel Shepard named Michigan Youth of the Year
HOLLAND — A local teen has received state-level recognition from the Boys & Girls Club.
More: West Ottawa senior Isabel Shepard named Holland’s 2023 Youth of the Year
Isabel Shepard, a senior at West Ottawa High School, was named Michigan’s Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year during a ceremony in Lansing on Thursday, April 27. She was named the Youth of the Year for the local club earlier this year.
“Isabel is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by BGCA for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle,” the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland wrote in a release.
During the local ceremony, Shepard spoke about the difficulties associated with her father being sentenced to life in prison when she was just 4. 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.”
As a state winner, Shepard receives a $2,500 scholarship and advances to Midwest Region Youth of the Year. That competition will take place in Chicago this summer. The regional winner will become a finalist for National Youth of the Year.
Shepard is the sixth member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland to win the state’s Youth of the Year. Most recently, 2021 local winner Nayeli Mora earned the statewide honor. Abria Franklin was the last Holland club member to win at the regional level, doing so in 2016.
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Youth of the Year honors and celebrates “inspiring teens and their incredible journeys.” The nominees write essays, give speeches and participate in interviews with community members and judges.
The program is the premier youth recognition program for the Boys and Girls Club of America. It began in 1947.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: West Ottawa's Isabel Shepard named Michigan Youth of the Year
