DURHAM (March 23, 2011) – The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club will be sending Youth of the Year Quantré Via to compete in this weekend’s North Carolina Boys & Girls Clubs State Youth of the Year contest.
Via’s outstanding contributions to her family, school, community, and Club, as well as his success in overcoming personal challenges, have earned him recognition as Youth of the Year from The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.
Via has received six college acceptances and has chosen Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. He had expected his basketball skills to help his college applications along, but because of an enlarged heart he was advised to limit his play to intramurals. So he had to “fall back” on his demonstrated leadership abilities and his 3.7 GPA at Hillside High School.
Those who have seen Quantre serving as a member of the Club’s Junior Staff can testify that his heart is enlarged in more ways than medically – he is a gracious and supportive teacher of younger children. Catawba’s gain is the Club’s loss.
Via, who lives on East Weaver Street, is one of five Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club members in his family. His sister Demetrice was Club Youth of the Year in 2006 and now attends North Carolina A&T.