The Boys Club of Leflore County named sixth-grader Deandre Lacy the Youth of the Year 2006 on Saturday and awarded him a bike donated by JCPenney.
Club executive director George Lampley said Lacy is gifted in academics, the arts and athletics.
"He has all the traits of someone who could be successful," Lampley said.
Lampley said Lacy has been a good listener when being coached by the staff, who selected him for the award.
He has a good attendance record at Threadgill Elementary School, where is on the honor roll, has sung in the choir, was named most valuable player on the baseball team and also excelled in football.
Lacy said what stands out to him most about the Boys Club is being able to learn new things about school and sports. He has been a member for five years and goes at least three times a week, he said.
Lacy's parents, Betty and Jerome Simmons, and his brother, Greenwood High School student and Boys Club member Jeffery Simmons, were on hand to celebrate with Lacy.
Lacy's parents are very supportive of the club.
"I thank God for all the staff you have here," Betty Simmons told Lampley.
She recalled a time when Lacy came home after getting in trouble with a club staff member. Simmons made him go back and apologize, she said.
Lampley said he was proud of Lacy.
"You're on the right road," he told him.
Lacy's information will also be sent to the regional and national Boys Club offices so he will be eligible for scholarships.
