She always knew she had it, but the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta helped bring out the leadership skill and exemplary character that allowed 17-year-old Valious Smith to be honored as Georgia’s Youth of the Year.

A Lowndes High senior and member of the Boys and Girls Club Lake Laurie Unit, Valious is a leader in both her home and our community. The example she has set of selflessness should serve as a standard others should work to achieve. She is a sound role model for other children in the community following in her footsteps with the Boys and Girls Club and as a basketball coach for 5-6 year olds. Her list of volunteer services include 53 hours with Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Salvation Army, America’s Second Harvest, Heritage House Nursing Home, Adopt a Family and the list continues with positive extra-curricular activities and community organizations including Tabernacle Church of God in Christ.

Through adversity, Valious says she finds strength and utilizes every challenge to propel her closer to her goals in life. At home, Valious serves as a strong partner for her mother who is legally blind, which she says has prepared her for the road ahead.

As with so many other youth in the area, our local Boys and Girls Club has provided a safe haven for Valious and a place where she can spread her wings.

Valious will now represent the city of Valdosta and Lowndes County at the Boys and Girls Club of America Southeast Region competition. From there she will have the opportunity to represent the region nationally. No matter the outcome, we are proud to have Valious representing our community and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.