Maryah Sullivan is the first Boys and Girls Club of America’s National Youth of the Year from Central Florida.
But despite her lofty title, she is a humble Everyday Hero.
The confident young lady giving us a tour of the Joe Lee Boy and Girls Club sounds as if she has led the perfect life.
“This is when we had our Thanksgiving blessing dinner,” Sullivan said. “Here's me and a few of my friends from when I was younger.”
But for the 12 years Sullivan was a member of the Eatonville club, her home life was anything but perfect.
“With a single mom who works two jobs, we really had no other place to go. So it was great that the Boys and Girls Club was here to be our home when we weren't at home.”
At the club, she got meals when food was scarce at home, Christmas gifts when there was no money and a role model when there wasn’t a father in her life.
“We actually have to clean up before each play or event that we have so here's me cleaning up the refrigerator,” Sullivan said.
But for all Maryah received, she gave back and more through club projects.
“We do community service projects, we go out in the community, we paint homes, we go to nursing homes , put on plays, etc.”
Now as freshman at the University of South Florida, her lofty dream is to become a neurosurgeon and discover a more efficient treatment for cancer, which runs in her family.
“I try to remind myself every day where I come from and I just know that I never want to be in that place again. But I do know that I used my circumstances as stepping stones to my future so without where I have come from, I would never be where I am today.”
For being named the National Youth of the Year, Maryah received $60,000 in academic scholarships as well as a new car.