Young Leaders Rising: Jackie Boys & Girls Club Receives National Honor for Teen Outreach

ST. MARTINVILLE, La. — The young people of St. Martinville are being recognized on a national stage after the Jackie Boys & Girls Club received a National Keystone Award for Teen Outreach from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The honor recognizes the club’s commitment to developing teenagers into confident leaders who serve others and make a positive difference in their communities.

Equipping the Next Generation to Lead

The recognition follows a Teen Town Hall recently organized and led by Keystone Club members. More than 100 local teenagers gathered for an afternoon of discussion, learning, activities, and community connection. Rather than simply participating, the teens took responsibility for planning the event and leading conversations about issues affecting young people.

Their example reflects the biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 4:12, where Paul encourages Timothy, a young leader, to be an example “in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” The Jackie Club’s Keystone members demonstrated that young people can have meaningful voices and make meaningful contributions when they are given the opportunity.

Creating a Place Where Young Voices Are Heard

One of the highlights of the Teen Town Hall was a panel discussion featuring local city officials. Keystone members led the conversation and asked questions about challenges facing young people in their community. The gathering created an opportunity for teenagers to speak openly while giving community leaders the chance to listen directly to the next generation.

The teens also organized board games and team-building activities designed to encourage communication, cooperation, and friendship. These activities helped create an environment where participants could connect with one another and feel supported.

Leadership Through Service

Keystone Clubs serve teenagers ages 14 to 18 through a leadership development program focused on service, academic success, career exploration, and civic engagement. Members identify needs within their communities, develop service projects, advocate for issues affecting youth, and learn how to become responsible leaders.

Rhyan Wheeler, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, said watching the teens organize an event of this size demonstrated the leadership skills they have gained through the program.

The Bible reminds believers in Philippians 2:4 to look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others. That spirit of service was visible as the Jackie Club teens created an event designed to help their peers feel heard, valued, and connected.

Confidence, Compassion and a Calling to Serve

Eboney Breaux, director of the Jackie Club, said the Teen Town Hall allowed the teens to step outside their comfort zones and recognize the influence they can have on others. Their leadership, compassion, and confidence demonstrated the potential that can emerge when young people are trusted with responsibility.

Their achievement also points to the importance of investing in the next generation. Proverbs 22:6 encourages adults to “train up a child in the way he should go.” While leadership development requires education and experience, it also requires adults who are willing to encourage young people and give them opportunities to grow.

A Future Built by Young Changemakers

The National Keystone Award represents more than an individual accomplishment for the Jackie Club. It highlights what can happen when young people are empowered to serve, lead, listen, and take action within their communities.

As the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana continues providing leadership opportunities, the hope is that these teens will carry the lessons learned at the Jackie Club into their schools, families, careers, churches, and communities.

For St. Martinville, the recognition is a reminder that some of tomorrow’s leaders are already stepping forward today. With encouragement, purpose, and opportunities to serve, young people can become a powerful force for positive change.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the young people of St. Martinville and for the gifts, talents, and leadership You have placed within them. We pray that You continue to guide the teens of the Jackie Boys & Girls Club as they grow in wisdom, confidence, compassion, and faith. Give them courage to speak truth, serve others, and become positive influences in their communities. Bless their families, mentors, club leaders, educators, and community leaders who invest in their future. May these young people understand that their voices matter and that their lives can make a difference. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, may they walk confidently into the plans and purposes You have prepared for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.