Boy of the Year to be announced next week
Published 9:32 pm Monday, April 30, 2018
By Adam Dodson | The Selma Times-Journal
The Paul M. Grist Boy of the Year Award, which recognizes a young man in the Selma-Dallas County area for his achievements, is coming up next week with a banquet scheduled at the local YMCA.
Although it’s usually held at the Selma Convention Center, YMCA board member Juanda Maxwell said the decision was made to move the event to the YMCA. Expecting around 150-200 people, the gym is big enough to seat the potential crowd comfortably. The Boy of the Year Banquet will also serve as a milestone for the YMCA, marking the first banquet-style event for their gymnasium.
Taking place every year, the Paul M. Grist Boy of the Year Award looks to highlight Selma-Dallas County youth from both the private and public high school systems. According to Maxwell, they work with the schools’ counselors to find suitable nominees to interview. After interviewees are chosen, a selection committee then goes through the qualifications. After making their decision, the winner is announced at the banquet.
This year’s nominees are Elijah Hall and Charles Giles from Dallas County High School, Darren Reese from Ellwood Christian Academy, Jeashaun Black and TyQuarius Murray from Keith High School, Mason Kendrick from Meadowview Christian School, Edgar Dayton McNeill Reeves and Colton Daniel Roberts from Morgan Academy, and Joshua Matthew McDowell and Jibrail Muhammed Jr. from Selma High School.
While only one can receive the honor of “Boy of the Year” for an entire 365 days, Maxwell said that all embody the spirit of Paul M. Grist, a large community servant. In her eyes, just being nominated is something to be proud of.
“It is an honor just to be nominated,” Maxwell said. “Grist was great in our community, and we wanted the schools to showcase their best and brightest young men.”
Additionally, Maxwell says the banquet will be a good opportunity for YMCA staff to show off their gym. A light lunch will be served. The event begins at 6 p.m. For more information, reach out to Denisha Hendricks at (334) 874-9622.
