Super sophomore

Boys & Girls Club honors Clark High School's Karla Spann

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas has named Clark High School sophomore Karla Spann 2006 Youth of the Year.

"I was so surprised when I found out I won," the 16-year-old said. "It is such an honor."

Spann has been attending the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club for more than seven years.

"I used to get into trouble on and off for a while, but not anymore," she said with a smile.

Spann now volunteers at the club, helping with what is needed, including recruiting and manning the front desk, among other duties, she said. Spann also helps run programs at the club, some of which she has been through herself. Two of the more notable programs Spann has completed are Smart Moves, a substance abuse prevention program, as well as the gang prevention program.

As for Spann's future ambitions, "I believe I want to be a teacher," she said proudly.

At Clark, Spann is a member of Future Educators of America and she also is attending the Teacher Education Academy at Clark High School, TEACH, the school's magnet program for students interested in a career in education.

"I want to make a difference in children's lives," she said. "I think I want to go to college in Atlanta, at Clark Atlanta University."

Christine Skorupski, community relations manager of the Boys & Girl Clubs of Las Vegas, said Spann deserved the Youth of the Year honor.

"Karla's an excellent example of the leaders we have here," Skorupski said. "She's developed a lot of her skills here and she has great leadership skills. She is a very responsible young woman, and that wasn't the path that she was on when she came here. We're all really proud of her."

Spann's prizes included a $2,500 scholarship and a $500 gift card.

The Youth of the Year honor program began in 1947 and is a nationally recognized program that aims to celebrate community service, academic accomplishments and contributions to both family and spiritual life among youths.