ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Jolana Mitchell was awarded the honor of being named the Boys & Girls Club youth of the year. “It was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” she said.
Jolana said at 18-years-old, she’s come along way from when she first joined the club seven years ago. “I had to grow up quickly.
I didn’t really have the chance to have a childhood; I had to take care of my family financially, I had to take care of my younger sisters,” said Jolana.
Jolana said the Boys & Girls Club gave her direction, and in helping with their summer shows, she has decided to double major in theater arts and early childhood education.