When Senior Zion Bowlin won the Boys and Girls Club Youth of Year award he had no doubts about upholding its expectations.

“You just do what you’re supposed to do to the best of your ability,” Bowlin said. “That means you’re a leader [and] stay out of trouble.” Bowlin said.

Bowlin understands the importance of role models in his life. Having role models in both his father and grandmother has been significant to his success.

“I think just having someone to look up to influences you to do all the right things… if I didn’t have my dad I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing, like sports and the things I do for the community. Just making sure you have that one positive person is important. Make sure to have a positive person to look to and you’ll know to do the right thing,” Bowlin said.  

Along the way, Bowlin has gained insight on the importance of attracting the right type of people to surround himself with.

“Don’t let other people influence what you do, especially if they’re harping on you or degrading you,” Bowlin said. “Channel the bad people out and channel the good people in. You just need one positive person to change your life.”

When choosing a person for the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year award, executive director Colby Wilson looks for a specific set of qualities.

“We look for someone who has been involved with Boys and Girls Club for a long time, has overcome challenges while growing up and, most importantly, has good character,”  Wilson said.

The process of selecting a winner starts in the summer and leads to an orientation meeting for all kids and adults who are nominated.

“We tell them this is going to be a lot of work,” Wilson said. “They have to dig deep and talk about things that they have experienced when growing up, sometimes difficult things.”

Wilson was able to easily identify senior Zion Bowlin as a worthy candidate for the award based on his fulfillment of the criteria.

“[Bowlin] has some things that come naturally for him [and] he’s got great charisma,” Wilson said. “He’s kind to people and he has been from the start.”