The local Boys & Girls Club has named Rome High student Joshua Brown its Youth of the Year. He will now go on to compete for the state award, where he could win a $1,000 scholarship. There are also regional and national contests.

Joshua was one of five finalists for the local award, all chosen for good character, personal growth and leadership traits. Other finalists were Rome High students Taleeia Smith, Derrickus Griffin, Eric Hunt and Ricardo Ram­sey.

Candidates were judged by John Hershey of Georgia Highlands College, Louvonia Johnson-Boone of Georgia Highlands College and Steven Hale of Shorter College. The candidates were judged based on the presentation of their speech, poise, content and moral character.

“I had a good time. It was a good learning experience to speak in front of people,” said Eric.

“It was a good public speaking experience,” Joshua said. “I was blessed to be chosen as Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls has given me a lot of opportunities.”

After 30 minutes of deliberation, the winner was announced by Eric Turner, director of teen services at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia.

Joshua has been attending the Boys & Girls Club in Rome since he was 7 years old.

“We hope that he can make it all the way to the national competition to be able to meet President Obama and compete for a $15,000 scholarship. We are so proud of Josh, watching him grow up and mature into a young man,” said Turner.

The Boys & Girls Club also has kicked off its ONE Campaign with a phone-a-thon this week.

“The Youth of the Year Program is just one of the many programs the ONE Campaign supports annually,” said Carrie Edge, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia. “This year, our clubs in Rome must raise $245,000 to fund the 2010 budget of almost $1 million.”