Dwayne Boothe

Dwayne Boothe, Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club

Anticipated Career Choice: Cosmetology (Business Owner)

“The Club has always been like a second home and a family to me. There is always someone there that I can talk to.”

Dwayne is the oldest of nine siblings and the cornerstone of his family in his parents’ absence. He instills in his siblings how to rise above dire situations in addition to making sure they have fully cooked meals and completed homework. At his Club, Dwayne involves himself in every opportunity that will offer him a chance to help change lives, including his own.

He is fully dedicated to Stein Scholars, Upward Bound and Keystone Club. As a summer youth employee, he created programming for younger Club members, worked in the community garden and developed educational presentations and posters for the Club. He spends many hours in the Mary Ryan bike shop repairing bikes for children in the community. He’s grown into a capable bicycle mechanic able to diagnose and repair many problems while working independently. Dwayne also uses his engineering and mechanical skills for the LEGO Robotics team. Furthermore, he shows dedication and leadership by attending regular nutrition and agricultural program meetings.

Dwayne is also very active in the community and at his school. He played a vital role in helping conduct more than one food drive for less fortunate families. He is also an usher at his church and volunteers to assist the senior barbers at a local barbershop by keeping work areas clean and welcoming customers. At school, he tutors students struggling in biology and is a member of the chess club. Dwayne’s ability to share his ideas and creativity was underscored when he assisted in planning for the bike shop’s annual neighborhood bicycle sale.

“Boys & Girls Clubs has played a very important and positive role in my life and includes some of my most memorable moments.”