Freshman Earns National Youth of the Year Honor from Boys and Girls Clubs

Freshman Earns National Youth of the Year Honor from Boys and Girls Clubs

Tyreese Blue II is on a mission to create lasting change in his community.

"I grew up in a single-parent household in Toledo and the Boys & Girls Club played a huge role in shaping me into who I am today," Blue said. "Because of that, I remain active in volunteer work, especially through organizations that give back to young people."

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national organization of local chapters which provide voluntary after school programs for young people. Blue's contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo earned him the exceptional honor of being selected National Youth of the Year.

"Receiving the award was one of the greatest honors of my life. It showed me that my story could inspire others and gave me a platform to represent not just myself, but the kids who attend Boys & Girls Clubs and grow into better people through those experiences," he said. "I now have my own billboard in Toledo, I threw the first pitch at a Mud Hens game and I got the chance to advocate on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where I spoke with Ohio Senators about 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding. I even met the vice president of the United States. On top of that, I was awarded scholarships that will cover my tuition at UToledo, which is a blessing to me and my family.

"The Youth of the Year journey also allowed me to travel to multiple cities across the nation to share my story and be a voice for young people. More than anything, it taught me that when you use your voice, you can create real change," he added.

In addition to working with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Blue has volunteered over 40 hours with Helping Young People Excel (H.Y.P.E.) of Lucas County, supported literacy programs and community outreach events at the Toledo Birmingham Branch Library, and helped prepare and serve meals in a donation-based setting at So All May Eat (SAME) Café Toledo.

His desire to help others extends into his major, construction engineering technology.

"I chose construction engineering technology because I've always been interested in how things are built and the process behind creating structures that impact people's lives. Two years ago, when I visited my family in Mexico for Christmas, my perspective shifted even more," Blue said. "Their home didn't have a secure roof or heating, the walls were bare concrete, and broken glass lined the wall that surrounded their house. Seeing that firsthand made me realize I wanted to use engineering not just as a career, but as a way to create lasting change for families like mine."

Blue was one of 40 students nationwide selected to attend the ASTM Eisenman Materials Camp, which solidified his desire to pursue engineering. Eventually, Blue shared, he would like to start his own firm to help provide better living conditions for families in need.

Now a freshman entering UToledo for the first time this fall, Blue said he is eager to engage in UToledo student life.

"I'm excited to be part of such a strong engineering program and take advantage of the opportunities that come with it but also to enjoy the college experience," Blue said. "I'm looking forward to football games, campus events, Halloween activities and the chance to really connect with people through student organizations. College is about growth but it's also about experiences, and I'm excited for both."