Larry Williams

Larry Williams, Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club
High School: Outlook University
College Choice: University of Tennessee Knoxville or Georgia State University
Anticipated Career Choice: Mechanical Engineer, Psychiatrist or Business Owner

“Boys & Girls Clubs took care of me growing up, kept me out of trouble and helped make me the person I am today.”

Expectations were high for Larry to be very independent and responsible at a young age. He strives to be successful for himself and his family. To Larry, the Clubs provided the important parts in life, including food, shelter, support, guidance and love. He was involved in a variety of activities: Passport to Manhood, Money Matter, Job Club, the Findorff Youth Construction Project, Torch Club, Keystone Club and PALS. Larry attended many sporting events and donated his time to referee league games when he wasn’t playing in them. This past year, Larry attended the Keystone Conference in Milwaukee representing his Club and worked at two Clubs during the summer as a maintenance floater. Also, he belonged to Empower Our Youth, helping young men and women stay off the streets by engaging them in positive activities.

Larry’s decision to switch from high school to Outlook University was made so he could progress in his journey to attend college at a faster pace. Because Outlook University does not have a sports program, Larry relied on Boys & Girls Clubs to fulfill his passion for sports. “I want to be successful and provide for my family someday. I do not want to be the next statistic. I want to inspire other African-American males to graduate from high school and go on to college.”

Apart from the Clubs, Larry also remained active in other parts of his community. He spent a number of hours in high school volunteering in the special needs department, assisting with leisure and life skills activities. Larry won an Argosy Citizenship Award to hold a community health care clinic. He also helped create and implement fundraiser to benefit his community. He participated in food and clothing drives, volunteered at the Salvation Army and assisted with the annual Hillside Community Clean-Up event. He remains dedicated and active at his church. He is kind to others, serious about this success and future, and helps out whenever he can. Larry chooses to be drug and conflict free.