Natasha Knuckles is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. At 17 years old, she has been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for Maryland’s Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation. As the Youth of the Year for Greater Washington, Knuckles will be among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Inspired by her mother’s personal struggle as a single mom who later went back to school to receive her bachelor’s degree, Natasha is eager to attend college, where she plans to pursue a degree in Medicine. She expects to acquire a full scholarship and recently received acceptance from Pennsylvania State University. Natasha wants to be a Pediatrician and plans to start and run her own practice someday.

Knuckles has been a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s (BGCGW) Germantown Club for the past six years where she serves as a tutor, counselor in training, junior staff and events volunteer.
“I love going to the club after school. The club is like my second home,” says Knuckles. “I can go to the club and relax, be free, and not judged.”

At the age of 11, Natasha was asked to testify before Congress twice in an effort to request funding for a new gym for the Germantown Club. Stunned by her passion for the club, Congress granted the club $500,000. The grand opening for the club’s new gym is next month.

“With the many challenges facing today’s teens, we are pleased to honor the accomplishments of young people like Natasha and proudly recognize her commitment and dedication,” said Pandit Wright, President and CEO, BGCGW. “Natasha is an excellent example of what Boys & Girls Clubs are all about.”

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

Natasha will be honored at the 2010 Tim Russert Congressional Dinner