It all started one gloomy winter day on the bus ride home from basketball practice. Shannon Roundtree, then 14 years old, noticed a Boys & Girls Club sign in the distance. Not knowing what was inside, her curiosity and willingness to explore led her to what ended up being the start of her own self-discovery as a member at the Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club. Four years later and now 18 years old, Roundtree is recognized as a positive influence on others and as the 2006 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee's Youth of the Year. She embodies the characteristics that make her a role model for younger members.
A senior at Milwaukee Washington High School, Roundtree is a member of her high school basketball team and maintains an A-average. However, it is her passion to help others that truly sets her apart. Her volunteerism began as a PALS group mentor at the Mary Ryan Branch. Roundtree extended her mentoring to teaching kids computer skills, speaking at local middle schools about the importance of education and staying in school, and helping as an assistant Sunday school teacher at her church. She also finds time to volunteer at several elderly facilities, reading and serving food.
This fall, Roundtree will begin her college career at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a degree in business administration and architectural design. In the future, she hopes to continue volunteering and one day open a youth sports clinic.
In March, after being named Milwaukee's Youth of the Year, Roundtree competed in Madison and placed sixth for State Youth of the Year. Five regional winners will be selected and compete for the honor of being named National Youth of the Year in Washington, D.C., earning a $10,000 scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation.
Jean Carlo Mercado - Member of the Irving J. Seher Boys & Girls ClubJean Carlo used to be the quietest boy in the Club.
He arrived in Milwaukee from Puerto Rico in 1997. His parents, eager for Jean Carlo to practice English, immediately enrolled him in the local Club. He struggled with his new surroundings and, after one extremely frustrating day, he gave up and went home.
Club staff coaxed Jean Carlo back, eager to find a way to help. Soon after his return, a staff member overheard him singing in a Club restroom. With staff encouragement, Jean Carlo registered for his first of many Club talent shows - and began to make Milwaukee home.
He started singing and dancing at age five. Once introduced to the Club's arts activities, he began growing and expanding his talents - eventually earning a scholarship for summer study with the local First Stage Children's Theatre Academy.
Now a 14-year-old freshman at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Jean Carlo is an actor, singer, instrumentalist, artist, writer and dancer. "I like keeping myself busy, trying new things," he said. He attends his neighborhood Club daily, giving Spanish lessons and helping non-native English speakers build fluency.
After high school, Jean Carlo plans to become a lawyer. "My entire family is very assertive, argumentative and musical," he said. "I think all my talents can be applied to law." He plans to remain in Milwaukee "until I outgrow the city," he said. "I came to Milwaukee and I found the Club, and it is a great place to be. What else might I find out there?"