For Immediate Release

Contact: Tina Carpenter, Program Director Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale 250 N. Springer St.; P.O. Box 3092 Carbondale, IL 62902 Phone: 618-457-8877 ext. 23 Fax: 618-457-7939 Email: tcarpenter@bgc-cdale.org

GREAT FUTURES START HERE: CARBONDALE TEEN WINS YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONOR FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF CARBONDALE Lucien Dreux to Now Vie for the State Title and Scholarship (Carbondale, IL), (March 27, 2012) Selected among several local outstanding youth, Lucien Dreux will compete against other Boys and Girls Club members for the Illinois Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation on April 27-28th in Peoria, IL. As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale 14 year old Dreux is an example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys and Girls Clubs of America for his good character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive. As BGCAs premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a members family, community and Boys and Girls Club, as well as striving for academic success and overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Lucien Dreux, the son of Sherleta and Lucien Dreux, is an 8th grade student at Carbondale Middle School. He has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale since 2004. He believes that to be successful you have to work hard, be involved in your community, be a role model for others and lead with respect and integrity. Family is extremely important to Dreux and wants to better himself by gaining academic success, going to college and giving back to his family and community. If Dreux wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of the Midwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware, the recognition programs national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2012 to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House Please join us on Tuesday, April 10th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for the reception to congratulate Lucien Dreux at The Boys and Girls Club located at 250 N Springer in Carbondale. Questions: call Tina at the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale at (618) 457-8877 EXT. 23. ###