Inspiring Teen Wins Youth of the Year

Cameron James was named the 2018 Lubbock Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year program recognizes young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

“Cameron James is such an impressive young man,” said Ashley Ammons, Lubbock Area United Way Community Impact Director and one this year’s judges, “I was floored with the talent and enthusiasm he had in helping his community.”

Cameron started attending the Ted Phea Boys & Girls Club 7 years ago. He was in the 5th Grade when his mother decided he needed a safe and engaging place to go after school instead of hanging out in the neighborhood. She knew about the Club because Cameron’s older sister had played on a Boys & Girls Club basketball team.

The day after she signed him up he was on the bus taking him from school to the Club. He was nervous on the ride. What would it be like? Would the other kids accept him? Would he have fun?

Cameron quickly learned that while there was a lot of fun to be had, there were also rules to be followed. The Club Director made sure homework came first, then free time. His favorite activity quickly became basketball. Through basketball he learned not only that he was a good athlete, but that he excelled at team leadership.

“I finally felt that I had father figures in my life,” said Cameron, “It opened my eyes to many more aspects of life.”

As an older member Cameron volunteers his time to mentor younger kids at the Club. He also recently self-published a book that is available through Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. Cameron plans to attend St. John’s University and study Television and Film.


Boys & Girls Clubs of Lubbock is one of Lubbock Area United Way's 23 Community Partner agencies working daily in our community to impact lives and give people hope. Learn more about Our Work here.