Adilene M. – Youth of the Year Candidate
Adilene is a 16-year-old junior in high school from Gainesville, Georgia. She is participating in the Youth of the Year competition because it gives her the opportunity to share her story and highlight the impact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier has had on her life.
Her family describes her as motivated, extraordinary, and powerful. Adilene is passionate about baking and cooking, and her favorite subject in school is math, a subject she has always enjoyed and found comes naturally to her. At school, she is involved in HOSA and the Spanish Club, where she continues to challenge herself and explore her interests.
Though she has not yet chosen a specific career path, Adilene’s biggest goals are to finish school and find a career she truly loves. She draws inspiration from her mother, who motivates her to keep striving for success. With the support of her family, including her older brother, she continues to explore her future with determination and an open mind.
Adilene’s advice to other teens is to take the time to learn who you are, recognize who your true friends are, and never hesitate to speak up if you need help. Two of her favorite quotes that guide her are, “You only live once” and “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
Outside of school, she enjoys listening to her favorite artist, Drake, watching Stranger Things, and snacking on hot fries with mango-flavored Arizona tea. If given the chance to travel anywhere, she would love to visit Mexico.