Jordan Knighten is Lakewood Boys and Girls Club's Youth of the Year

Jordan Knighten never enjoyed standing in the spotlight. Being the center of attention, like many other teenagers, simply wasn't his personality.

But in a couple of months, the 17-year-old Clover Park senior will have to step out of his comfort zone for a chance to be named the South Puget Sound Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.

"I'm still a little nervous speaking in front of 600 people," Knighten said about delivering his speech to a large audience in February. "But I've learned to not be so nervous. I'm comfortable talking to anyone."

Staff at the recently selected Knighten based on his development as a teenager and what it means to be a club kid. Candidates will be judged on essays, a speech that they will give in front of all the judges, and a round of one-on-one interviews with seven judges.

For many years, staff said, Knighten struggled fitting in. He had trouble making friends and had low self-esteem.

But the B&G slowly began changing Knighten. He considers the Lakewood branch a second home.

"I wouldn't be the person I am without the Boys & Girls Club," Knighten said in a recent interview with Patch. "I've gone through changes. I've learned you can't be scared."

Chad Tibayan, youth director, said Knighten didn't participate much in group activities. Often times, Tibayan said, he wore headphones and tuned out what was happening around him.

"He (Knighten) said he wasn't accepted and he would take that in," Tibayan said. "But the atmosphere of the club is the willingness to be yourself."

Knighten attends the club every school day after doing his chores at home down the street in Lakewood. This past summer he worked as junior staff, serving as an assistant with activities.

As time progressed, more of his personality began to show.

"I still have a long way to go," Knighten said. "You have to be passionate about what you're doing in life."

His short-term plans are to graduate from high school and consider attending a junior or technical college. But his immediate plan is preparing for a shot at earning a college scholarship through the Youth of the Year contest.

In 2011, Kainen Bell, a member of the Al Davies club in Tacoma, was named the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound Youth of the Year. Kainen went on to be named the Washington State Youth of the Year and competed at regionals in California. Although Kainen did not win Regionals, he continues to be an outstanding spokesperson for the Boys & Girls clubs of South Puget Sound and the state of Washington and is now a freshman at the University of Washington.

In 2009, Christney Kpodo met President Obama after capturing the Pacific Region Youth of the Year and qualified for the B&G America Youth of the Year. She is currently a junior at Pacific Lutheran University and is working at the Lakewood branch as a teen coordinator mentoring young teens like Knighten.

Eric Kramer, director of the Lakewood branch, chose Knighten not because of the work he's done but what he's capable of doing.

"Jordan's story crystallizes that if we provide social support then we can identify them individually and motivate and push them to take the next step," Kramer said. "That's our end, to make teens successful adults."

Check back for an update on how Knighten does in the competition.