Youth of the Year for A.W. Tony Matthews Boys & Girls Club

“Why just dream it when you can do it?”

This is the motto that keeps Adrian Perry on top of his game.

The 17-year-old Westlake High School senior is a member of the A.W. Tony Matthews Boys & Girls Club. His Club journey began about four years ago at the James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club. Through the years he’s taken part in several Club activities and programs that helped shape him into the positive leader he is today.

Demonstrating outstanding leadership in his Club, community, and school has earned Adrian the title of Matthews Club Youth of the Year. He now has ambitions of becoming Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, seeing this as an opportunity to be a voice for more young people like him. Adrian wants to bring more awareness to issues such as bullying and teen suicide. Adrian believes teens need a strong support system to conquer their challenges and achieve their dreams.

He is grateful for his Club’s Career Bound program staff like Ms. Robin for encouraging him to work hard and plan for the future while Mr. Raquon encourages him to make good choices and think big.

Adrian says going on college tours with the Career Bound team is one of his favorite things to do because these experiences give him an opportunity “to travel, see new places and campuses, ask lots of questions, and get some cool college gear.”

Adrian believes real leaders must pay it forward, so he loves volunteering at food and clothing drives at school. At home, Adrian enjoys cooking for his mom – his specialty is spaghetti with Italian sausage!

Adrian plans to study Business and Sociology in college. This charismatic leader, known for his warm personality and infectious smile, dreams of opening a counseling center for teens with programs focused on job training and the arts.