Cavalier Washington

Cavalier Washington, Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club

2011 Northwestern Mutual Foundation Youth of the Year, State of Wisconsin Youth of the Year
Anticipated Career Choice: Secondary Education

“My Club is a place where I go to get away from all my problems. This is a place where I can go to talk and be understood.”

Growing up, Cavalier watched her mother work two jobs to care for her and her three siblings after her father abandoned the family when she was a little girl. His absence led to financial hardship and Cavalier recognized the pressure on her mom to take care of the family. As the second oldest, she resolved to help her mother and show her younger siblings how to conduct themselves with respect, dignity and purpose. While her mother worked, Cavalier looked after her siblings, helped them with their homework, cooked meals, cleaned and prepared them for bed.

In addition to helping her family at home, Cavalier became part of a second family at Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club. Cavalier helps her Club family by tutoring members during Power Hour – a designated time for homework. She is a member of the teen-led Keystone Club dedicated to community service, and as part of the Clubs’ volleyball and soccer teams. At her school, Cavalier helps younger students with their homework, is a varsity cheerleader and a member of the praise dance team.

When the recession hit and Cavalier’s mother lost one of her jobs, there was not enough money to support the entire family and Cavalier had to move in with her aunt. She didn’t let sleeping under a separate roof affect her commitment to her siblings and continued to help out frequently after school. While juggling the responsibilities of family, school and activities at her Club, Cavalier has maintained a 3.0 GPA throughout her high school career. Her future aspirations include attending Marquette University and one day becoming a Boys & Girls Clubs manager.

“Without the Clubs, where would troubled youth go? The Club is our home. The Club means one family.”