“They’re always there to help me. It’s good to have people believe in you.” -Jadon
Jadon has been a part of the YMCA’s Afterschool Program for more than five years. During that time, he’s grown into an intelligent and caring young man who always does what he can to help others. Now in seventh grade, Jadon is a great role model to the younger children in the group. “I have to set an example for the little kids,” says Jadon. “We do a lot of different activities like reading, games, and art. If Miss Bre is explaining a project, I always help the other kids. When I was younger I had older kids helping me too, so it’s nice to be that person for others now that I’m older.”
Jadon’s passion to help others hasn’t gone unnoticed. He was recently awarded the Delaware Family YMCA’s ‘Youth of the Year’ award. This honor is given to a young person for his or her extraordinary example of civic responsibility. “I was surprised because I didn’t really expect it,” he says. “A lot of people were really proud of me.”
Jadon says what he enjoys most about the Y’s Afterschool Program is meeting new friends, and spending time with his coordinators and counselors. “Whenever I need help with homework or something they’re always there to help me. It’s good to have people who believe in you and want to see you have a good future and be whatever you want to be,” he says. Jadon is already thinking of his future, too. He says he wants to be a neurologist or cardiologist when he grows up. Jadon enjoys his time at the Y, and he thinks all kids should have the opportunity to experience YMCA programs. “It’s a good place for kids to prepare for their future. The Y has helped me get where I am now.”