Freshman Shelby Lutes said it has been her dream since kindergarten to be named Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Nine years later, her dream finally came true.
"I was very surprised and happy because it makes you feel good whenever a place you love so much chooses you to represent them," said Lutes, who received the honor late last month.
Selected from a pool of more than 80 Club attendees, Lutes represented Poplar Bluff R-1 last week in Jefferson City where she competed for the title of Midwest Region Youth of the Year.
Even though she did not advance to nationals, Club Executive Director Chris Rushin said the 15-year-old is an exemplary young adult.
"Shelby is what a Youth of the Year winner is all about," Rushin said. "This young lady is a bundle of positive energy and (has) a can-do attitude that makes nothing impossible for her or the people around her."
Lutes, the daughter of Julie Lutes, said she hopes to pursue a career in psychology and writing fiction novels.
Lutes said she enjoyed the two days she spent at the state capitol and that being surrounded by students with interests similar to her own was an eye-opening experience.
"I learned no matter how different you are or what background you come from, you can be a success," she said.
On her first trip to the capitol building, Lutes said, she enjoyed seeing the inner-workings of the legislature. She was even granted permission by Sen. Doug Libla to sit at his desk, which she said was "really fun."
During the trip, Lutes spoke in front of more than 200 people, including her peers, with a speech she wrote and memorized describing the importance of the Boys & Girls Club to her life. She said the experience left a lasting impression on how she views her future.
"It makes you want to continue to do the right things," she said. "Because if you stay on the right track, you really can be successful and that's what I want to do."
Rushin said the annual recognition program is sponsored by Bill and Carol Swafford, who own Swafford's Amoco Service. Rushin said the Swaffords have supported youth advocacy for more than 40 years in the Poplar Bluff area.