Being a Youth of the Year means a lot to Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids staff member Chuck Bacon. Why, you may ask? Last year he was one of the candidates.
A couple of years ago you may have found Chuck sitting alone in his bedroom, dealing with social anxiety. Looking back, Bacon remembers his initial hesitation in coming to the Club. “My mom had to bribe me at first to come to the Club. She told me I would like it because she had come to the Club when she was a kid. I didn’t believe her,” he laughs.
After a little while, he realized that he actually looked forward to being at the Club after school. He enjoyed playing basketball and interacting not only with other members, but also with the staff.
After a couple years of attending, a staff member approached Bacon about being a Youth of the Year (YOY) candidate. The nomination was unexpected. “I never saw that quality in myself, and for someone else to see it, it meant a lot,” Bacon shared.
Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to help us realize our potential. The YOY process wasn’t just about being nominated; it was about personal growth. “It helped me with my social anxiety and learning how to give a speech in front of a large group of people,” he shared. Doing a speech in a room full of people was “terrifying”, he said. But he felt supported by the staff and was glad that he went through the process because it taught him so much.
Although Chuck wasn’t selected as the 2024 YOY winner, he received a scholarship to use after graduation to advance himself academically or professionally. “With my scholarship money, I bought my books for CC (community college) and am learning about cybersecurity,” he said with excitement. “One day, I want to have my own company and develop a new type of home security.”
From being a teenager who was unsure about attending the Club to now dreaming of creating innovative solutions for the future, his journey is a testament to the power of persistence and vision.
After Chuck graduated from high school in 2024, he missed coming to Club. When he saw an open position to work with kids at the Club, he knew it was a great opportunity. He went through the interview process and successfully joined the BGC team. After being involved as a Club member, stepping into the role of staff felt almost like a continuation of the journey.
“It doesn’t feel all that different from when I was a Club member,” he explained. The transition from Club member to staff member felt just like a natural continuation. Being able to be a role model to others is something Chuck takes seriously. “It feels great!” he said.
From a reluctant teenager to a proud staff member, Chuck’s story is an inspiration to others. Through participating in Club and the YOY process, he not only found confidence but also discovered he was right where he was meant to be – and hopes to inspire others along the way. His story is just one way Clubs, communities, and personal growth can transform a life, shaping someone into a future leader. With a clear vision and a heart full of gratitude, the future is bright for this rising star.
When asked about what he’s most proud of, the answer is simple: “Myself.” This statement might seem straightforward, but it holds deep significance.
To hear more stories like this and to meet our 2025 Youth of the Year candidates, please join us Wednesday, March 19th. To learn more and to register for this event please visit, https://bgcgrandrapids.org/events/youth-of-the-year-luncheon/.
