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Holmes High School’s Ja’Maja Spencer is Boys and Girls Club Youth of Year, get $20k scholarship


Ja’Maja Spencer, a Holmes High School junior, who was honored with the Youth of the Year Award for the Marge-Schott Unnehehr Boys and Girls Club in Covington. 

The Youth of the Year competition is a national Boys and Girls Club initiative that highlights one all-star teen club member from each club every year.

Ja’Maja Spencer

The teen chosen exemplifies the Boys and Girls Club mission and vision of creating productive, caring, responsible young citizens. The program model — Graduate, Fit for Life, Ready to Serve — guides the decision. Youths of the Year must model and demonstrate a healthy lifestyle, academic success, and service to the community. 

All of the Youths of the Year from each of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, from Price Hill to Clermont County to Covington, get together and tell their stories. Who they are, how the club has helped shape them, how they have given back to the club and the community. It’s a heart-warming event that truly showcases the young people’s resilience, dedication, and potential.

The winner is awarded a $20,000 scholarship for college or trade school.

“Ja’Maja was chosen because of his radiant and kind attitude, his willingness to serve our club and its members (helping younger members with homework, chaperoning field trips, mentoring, etc.), and his passion and dedication to his craft in football and boxing,” said Kristen Schafer, director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati.

“Personally speaking, Ja’Maja is one of the coolest kids I know. It’s quite rare that you can find a young person, especially in teenage years, so outside of themselves and interested in other people’s well-being. He is one of the most genuine young people I have ever met and I am incredibly excited to see where life takes him and to help support him on his journey.

“His bright mind, determined spirit, and kind soul is a beacon in our club community, and it was an absolute joy to rally around him and his family during this Youth of the Year season.”


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