KALIYAH

Selected among outstanding youth, Kaliyah has been recognized as the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 73rd year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. Kaliyah was one of nine finalists in the state of Ohio that went on to contend for the Ohio Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Hewitt has been an active member of the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon since 2011. She enjoys participating in programs such as Triple Play Social Recreation, Photography, and Art. She is grateful for the relationships that have been created over time at the club, and finds comfort in knowing that there is always a place for her to be. During her time away from the club, Kaliyah is an honors student at Washington Massillon High School in which she holds a current grade point average of 3.69. She has also been accepted into the school’s career prep nursing program. She enjoys being a member of the girls’ varsity basketball & track team as well as a member of the school’s women’s choir.

Typically, Youth of the Year candidates are in their junior or senior year academically. Kaliyah will just be completing her freshman year of high school. During the State-level competition, Kaliyah gave a 3-minute speech about how her club experience has guided her to a bright future to a panel of judges, followed by interview questions. Kaliyah produced a phenomenal performance, however she was not chosen to advance to the regional level. Despite this, she was grateful for the experience and cannot wait to try again next year. Kaliyah will also be rewarded a $1,000 scholarship toward her college tuition upon her high school graduation by the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon.