Inspiring Graduates from Boys & Girls Clubs Achieve Academic Success

With graduation season in full swing, we wanted to share inspiring stories of this year's Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida graduating seniors. We are so proud of all our graduating seniors who have shown dedication and perseverance in their academic achievements.

Janiya Early, Ky’sha Bell and Jaylen Nightingale are just a few of many influential examples of academic and personal growth among the teens we serve daily.

Janiya Early

Janiya Early

Through the support of our Ed White Teen Center’s programming, Janiya was able to rise above her hardships, excel academically and will now graduate at the top of her class from Edward H. White High School.

During her time at the Club, Janiya:

  • Maintained a position within the National Honors Society throughout high school

  • Was nominated and competed for her Club’s 2023 Youth of the Year award

  • Was elected Student Government Class President from 2022-2023

  • Held the title of ‘Miss Generation WOW’ from 2021-2022 as a member of the Generation WOW group

  • Led her High School Cheerleading Team as Cheer Captain

  • Became a budding entrepreneur with her own growing business

  • Will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, majoring in Criminal Justice, and hopes to provide a voice to those in need as a future Criminal Defense Attorney

  • Participated in the AVID program and BGCNF’s Drama Matters program where she learned to use the arts to combat her anxiety

Ky’sha Bell

Ky’sha Bell

Another successful graduate, Ky’sha Bell, was a member of our Citi Teen Center as well as our Tipping the Scale Program throughout her high school career. These programs helped her achieve a long list of academic and career preparation goals.

Throughout her time at the Club, Ky’sha: 

  • Completed a Clinical Internship at Baptist Hospital South in the partnership with Mandarin Medical Academy

  • Obtained her EKG Technician Certification and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Certification

  • Participated in the Tipping the Scale program for her entire high school career

  • Was accepted into Mandarin Medical Academy

  • Volunteered with Don’t Miss a Beat Summer Camp

  • Was named the Mandarin Track Team Gateway Conference Champion 2020-2021

  • Worked as a Read USA through the Mayor’s Work Program

  • Participated in the Black Student Union

  • Maintained A/B Honor Roll & placed in Top 50 in her senior class at Mandarin High School

  • Played on the JV Mandarin Girls Basketball Team for several years

  • Achieved multiple academic scholarships, including the Bridge Legacy Scholarship

  • Will pursue a degree in Physical/Occupational Therapy and Minor in Sports Medicine at Jacksonville University

Jaylen Nightingale

As another standout graduate from our Ed White Teen Center, Jaylen Nightingale:

  • Excelled academically & was awarded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project Scholarship

  • Was named as the reining “Mr. Ed White” by his peers

  • Plans to attend Bethune Cookman University as a Wilson Scholar

  • Hopes to become an Entertainment Lawyer

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