2022 Youth of the Year

Please join us as we congratulate Asia Clark as our 2022 Youth of the Year. Miss Clark is a member of our West End Unit located at our headquarters in Meridian, Mississippi. Asia will be competing virtually at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mississippi state competition with hope of reaching the Southeast  competition that will be held in Atlanta, Georgia in June.

For more than 70 years, the Youth of the Year has been the premier program to showcase teens with outstanding communication skills, service to their community, academic excellence and a dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. 

For more information on Youth of the Year or our programs that can change the lives of youth of our community,  please visit our website at www.eastmississippibgc.org

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Takymmea Clayton

 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

 Dr. Takymmea Clayton

Meet Dr. Takymmea Clayton, affectionately known by our staff and kids as "Dr. Kym", is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and proud Boys and Girls Club alumni. Dr. Clayton facilitates the HEAL group (Healthy Expressions and Awareness for Life) at our main campus twice per week. 

Education: 

• Graduated Meridian High School (2004)
• Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi (2007)
• Master's in Counseling and Psychology from the University of West Alabama (2009)
• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Jackson State University (2016)

Dr. Clayton completed her post-doctoral training at the University of Minneapolis and received additional training throughout her time in Minneapolis before returning home to Meridian last year. She is the founder of Targeted Behavioral Solutions located in Meridian, Mississippi.

Commencing in October 2021, the HEAL group at the Boys and Girls Club target social and emotional development within adolescents by increasing their emotional awareness and teaching them healthy ways to express their emotions. Dr. Clayton is well aware of the needs of our youth and has developed a strong bond with our kids and staff as they tackle everything from identifying depressive symptoms and processing trauma, to building self-esteem and developing healthy coping mechanisms. The HEAL group is open to all middle and high school members at our main Boys and Girls Club campus. 

Are you an alumni of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Mississippi? Register at BGCA.org/alumni to share your story and activate your Club legacy. To be featured on our blog or website please email: bdivinebgcems@gmail.com

You are a member for life. Stay connected and give back to the next generation of Club kids. For more information please contact us at: (601) 482-2455.