“I appreciate everything the Boys & Girls Club has done for me. My years at the Ernest Ingold Clubhouse have helped me believe in myself and accomplish my goals.”

                                                                                       - Tyrone

Over the past ten years, Tyrone has become one of the most respected members at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Ernest Ingold Clubhouse. A bright and confident young man, Tyrone receives universal praise from staff members for his positive influence at the Club. “He’s a natural leader, not by barking orders, but by being his own person,” said Tori Broussard, teen director at Ernest Ingold Clubhouse. “And everyone respects him for that.”

 

Since becoming a member when he was seven, Tyrone has been extremely involved in various Clubhouse programs and activities.  He learned to play basketball in the Ernest Ingold gym, where he practiced for years, eventually getting good enough to make his high school team.  He also learned to swim at the Club, attended Camp Mendocino – the organization’s summer camp, and participated in leadership and community programs like Torch Club and Keystone Club.  What’s more, as an outstanding teen staff member, he earned the Teen Staff of the Year award for two consecutive years. 

 

It’s easy to see why Tyrone’s drive to succeed is contagious. When he began to take his path to college seriously and started participating in the Club’s college prep programs, his friends followed suit. Staff members also say he’s had a great influence on younger Clubhouse members, giving them a positive role model to look up to. 

 

Tyrone is planning on enrolling in a four year university in the fall, majoring in either business or economics. His top choice of schools is Morehouse University, where he intends to try out for both the basketball and football teams. Regardless of where he ends up, it is certain that Tyrone will continue to provide a great example to everyone he meets.

 

• Meet the rest of the 2008 Youth of the Year finalists