CONGRATULATIONS to Zayris Dillon, Elkhart County’s 2021 Youth of the Year!
In front of three judges, 18 year old Zayris Dillon shared about the first time he arrived in Elkhart County. He was far from his home in Mississippi and his family’s only connection to this area was his aunt. Without friends and in a new school, the move was difficult for Zayris. He was drawn behaviors that didn’t help him: experimenting with smoking, alcohol and drugs. When he discovered the Boys & Girls Club in Elkhart, a whole new world of opportunity opened for him. “I was surprised when the adults and younger kids thought of me as a leader… I realized I had more things to learn and to try to be a good influence for those younger than me.”
“I was surprised when the adults and younger kids thought of me as a leader… I realized I had more things to learn and to try to be a good influence for those younger than me.” -Zayris Dillion, BGCEC 2021 Youth of the Year

Sports became a meaningful outlet for Zayris, particularly football. By his freshman year in high school, he was in the starting lineup at Elkhart High School. He gives credit to his father and grandfather for their guidance in his decision-making. They encouraged him to make his own decisions and to learn valuable lessons from his mistakes. “I have learned to become responsible and …that I have a great support system within my family, school, and Boys & Girls Club. Experiencing such support, this became a major turning point in my life.”
“I have learned to become responsible and …that I have a great support system within my family, school, and Boys & Girls Club. Experiencing such support, this became a major turning point in my life.” -Zayris Dillion, BGCEC 2021 Youth of the Year
Zayris plans to use the decision-making, responsibility and discipline he has learned at the Boys & Girls Clubs and through athletics to follow his dreams. After an internship at a local construction company this summer, Zayris sees a future where he will provide the support and leadership to those around him. Zayris hopes to play football and pursue college coursework in construction management next Fall.
Zayris Dillon will represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County at the State Youth of the Year competition on April 13, 2021. Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Club’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. With a grassroots beginning in 1947, Youth of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive leadership development program for today’s teens.