Briana Augustus (pictured), a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Baton Rouge for almost five years, has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of Louisiana by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).

In addition to winning this prestigious title, Augustus, who attends Belaire High School, also will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation and the Tupperware Brands Corporation.  She is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions a youth has made to his or her family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles he or she has overcome.  This program was founded more than 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

Augustus, the daughter of Shana Wolfe Augustus and Brian Keith Augustus, is a senior in high school and heavily involved with extracurricular activities, including her church, choir and step team.  She is the Belaire High School Senior Class president and secretary for the Beta Club.  In addition, Augustus is in the top 10 percent of her high school class and has a current grade point average of 3.4.  Her goals are to enroll in Louisiana State University next year and major in broadcast journalism.

“Briana Augustus and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA.  “We are most appreciative to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members attain their goals.”

This summer, Augustus will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Southeast Region.  If named regional winner, she will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C.  The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by U.S. President Barack Obama during a ceremony in the Oval Office.

For more than 25 years, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge has been helping kids "Be Great" by providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most.  Today, the organization has club sites in area schools and a park facility serving thousands of young people through club membership and community outreach. Clubs offer young people ages 6-18 a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural and social enrichment programs. By enabling children to reach their full potential, Boys & Girls Clubs help produce confident, educated and responsible members of the community.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.bgca.org/yoy.  For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Baton Rouge, visit www.BeGreatBatonRouge.org.  To contact the student, call Belaire High School Principal Robert Webb Jr. at (225) 272-1860.