Paul M. Grist once said that people don’t have to wait to grow up to make a difference in other’s lives. Clay Massey is living proof of that.

Massey was chosen as the Boy of the Year 2004 in a ceremony on May 13 at the Church Street Methodist Fellowship Center. Massey, who graduated from Dallas County High School this week, beat out 13 other young men for the award.

“I was shocked,” Massey said of his win. “There were 13 other guys who were qualified, and I was honored. I was honored to be a finalist and win it.”

Massey won a $1,000 scholarship, which will go toward the school of his choice – The University of Alabama – where he will study history.

According to Massey, Boy of the Year is chosen based on an applicant’s grade point average, extra curricular activities and interview.

Massey was asked several questions during his interview, including what impact he wanted to make in 15 years and what Grist’s motto meant to him.

“It’s about touching people’s lives,” Massey said. “You don’t have to wait to be a man to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Massey plans on making a difference by entering the teaching field and helping children achieve their goals.

“If you have hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals,” Massey said.

Massey has already begun influencing his community. He played four years of football, one year of baseball and was president of the honor society and Beta Club.

He is also active in his church’s youth group and works at Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company.

Massey’s summer plans include continuing his work at Pepsi-Cola before moving to Tuscaloosa in mid-summer. “I’m excited,” Massey said. “It’s going to be a little sad because we’ve all grown up together. I’ll be leaving good friends and that’s what I’ll miss the most.”

Massey thanked those friends as well as his coaches, teachers and family when receiving the Boy of the Year award. Massey’s parents are Robert and Darby. His brother is Cody.

Concerning advice for future Boy of the Year applicants, Massey suggested they not be nervous. “Just enjoy yourself because senior year is great,” Massey said.