July 2020 Face of Great Futures
Shelby is 17 years old and excited to be entering her senior year at Fond du Lac High School. She moved with her family from Manitowoc to Fond du Lac in the middle of her sophomore year and was a little skeptical about attending the Boys & Girls Club, only because she thought it was a place for mostly elementary-aged kids. She didn’t think she would be able to meet new friends her age, but was surprised to find out there were plenty of teens spending time at the Club every day after school. Needless to say, Shelby has become one of our most involved teen members, and even scored her first job as a Junior Staff in the Teen Center! She started working as a Junior Staff a year ago and loves it because she enjoys being around all the other kids… she stated, “It’s just so much fun!”
When it comes to the Boys & Girls Club in general, Shelby likes that there is always something to do and great programs for everyone. Her absolute favorite it Keystone Club because she gets to do a lot of volunteer work both at the Club and out in the community. She recalls having a blast helping out at National Night Out and doing fundraisers at the Club, such as making and selling chocolate-covered pretzels and hot chocolate. All the funds raised are given back to a charity that means something to our youth. Another really cool opportunity Shelby has had during her time as a teen member is singing with a group of other Club kids at our Reach for the Stars Dinner & Auction. She loved being a part of the Club’s largest annual fundraiser, and said it was just a great experience for her and the rest of the kids who performed.
Outside of the Boys & Girls Club, Shelby likes to spend time swimming, kayaking, camping, hiking, skiing and snowboarding. She enjoys a variety of activities as long as they are fun! If Shelby could go anywhere in the world, she would visit the Philippines because she saw in a picture once that they have clear kayaks and crystal clear water with secret caves to explore.
Shelby also has big goals and plans for her future, starting with getting involved in dance/poms and track through school during her senior year. After graduating high school, she would like to attend either Marian University or Arizona State University to double major in biochemistry and microbiology. Shelby intends to continue on to medical school so she can become a pediatric surgeon. She stated, “My grandma worked in the medical field and traveled to a bunch of third world countries to help those less fortunate, and I’d like to do the same.” Shelby has two older adult siblings as well as a younger brother, Garrett, who also attends the Boys & Girls Club. Garrett will be a freshman at Fond du Lac High School this year. When asked if she had any advice for him and the younger Club kids, she stated, “Don’t judge anyone until you get to know them and don’t hate on an activity until you try it!”