When Jaeda Perry’s mother faced limited daycare options, she turned to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.

The affordable and supportive environment not only offered a solution but fostered Perry’s personal growth. Now, as a high school senior, she is a testament to the club’s impact, having achieved the highest honor as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond 2025 Youth of the Year.

Each year, the club selects a Youth of the Year from among the teen members to recognize outstanding leadership, service, academic achievement and commitment to healthy lifestyles. The winner goes on to represent the organization at community events and in the statewide Youth of the Year competition. This year, the finalists also were recognized for their advocacy, resilience and ambition to become future leaders.

“It’s an honor to be chosen,” Perry said. “I want to be like an older sister to show the younger ones that they can do it too. I’m someone they know—someone just like them.”

The club also taught Perry essential skills for the future, including communication, goal-setting and teamwork, while fostering a strong sense of community and service. Perry’s favorite activity at the club was the Keystone Leadership program, which teaches members how to achieve academic success, prepare for a career, and engage in community service. She shared that her experience in the program taught her the importance of using her voice and how taking action can make a meaningful impact in the community.

“We learned about climate change and how to use social media to talk to local and state government officials,” Perry said. “We also learned to be advocates for the homeless in our community, building stockings filled with self-care, hygiene products and coloring books for kids.”

Like many high school seniors, Perry is juggling a range of emotions, including excitement about graduation, prom and attending college in the fall. She reflects on all she’s gained from the Clubs.

“Every year, there are new people, and I like meeting new people outside of school. It’s a very welcoming and social environment. It’s easy to make friends,” Perry said. “I will miss the people.”

Meet the high school senior who is Youth of the Year, likes going to the movies, plans to study linguistics in college and this week’s Personality, Jaeda Perry:

What is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Nonprofit organizations that offer after-school and summer programs for youths ages 6 to 18, focusing on providing safe spaces, caring mentors and life-enhancing experiences.

When was the Metro Club of Richmond started: In 1953 by several philanthropic families. Today, BGCMR has seven Clubs serving young people across Metro Richmond.

How many BGCMR clubs are there in the Richmond area: There are seven Clubs in Metro Richmond. Each club is deeply connected to its surrounding community, focusing  on providing the specific skills, interests and support that best suit members’ needs while meeting the ultimate goal of preparing young people to be life and career ready.

When were girls invited to join BGCMR: In October 1992, to better serve the entire breadth of Richmond’s young people, BGCMR officially expanded its membership to include girls and developed a full array of programming to meet the needs of all members.

My BGCMR is: South side.

My high school is: Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.

Family members: Mom, Tina; stepdad, Aaron; sister, Ti’Eja; stepsister, Korey; stepbrother, AJ; grandmother, Ernestine; niece, Avaya.

Date and place of birth: Dec. 8 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Richmond.

When I joined BGCMR: 2014.

Why I joined BGCMR: My sister was in the program.

My club activities with BGCMR: S M A RT (Skills, Mastery, and Resistance Training) Girls, Torch Club, Keystone Club.

Most meaningful experiences with BGCMR: I will take the lessons about being present and attentive to my community members.

Most memorable moment: A sleepover at the Club where we played hide-and-seek, ate pizza, and had a dance party.

Reaction to being named Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond Youth of the Year: It’s truly an honor because I see so many outstanding youths at the community center who also embody the attributes of the Youth of the Year.

How I learned the big news: The Club director for South Side, Jade Tabb, told me.

Family’s reaction: They congratulated me and told me how proud they were of me.

Where the award will be presented: At the Teen & Community Center.

What I will receive in addition to the award: A college scholarship.

What motivates me: The impact I can have on others, my community, and the world.

Where I plan to attend college: Mary Washington or George Mason.

I will study: Linguistics and either Spanish or German.

Career goals: I’ll let the wind take me wherever.

How I start the day: I think of it as another chance to achieve my goals and passions.

Three words that best describe me: Reserved, comical and quirky.

Top three on my music playlist: Jhene Aiko, Trey Songz and Beyonce.

Something I love to do that most people might never imagine: Despite being a picky eater, I do enjoy trying new foods.

Most influential person: My grandmother, because she embodies what a strong Black woman means to me.

Most influential book: “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom has impacted me be- cause it made me rethink the things we value in life and also how to maintain relationships.

Next goal: Learn to live for myself, not others, as I enter adulthood.