BELOIT -- Paris Echoles, 18, is an 11-year member of the Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs in Beloit has been named the 2005 Midwest Region Youth of the Year. Echoles, who was named the Wisconsin State Youth of the Year in April,  competed on July 14 in Chicago against five young people from Boys & Girls Clubs across the Midwest. The competition was based on a written application, which included essays, an interview and a speech given at the event. 

“We are all very proud of Paris,” said Chad Udell, Beloit Unit Director. “All of the youth who competed at the Regional  competition are amazing kids, which makes the fact that Paris won and even greater accomplishment. He is an asset to our Club and the community.”

Echoles, an 11-year member of the Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs, is a positive role model for today’s young people. When he was just 3 years old his father was shot and killed. By age 9 he had taken on the responsibility of helping his mother, who worked long hours, care for his two younger siblings.

“I feel that the Boys Club was my main inspiration for wanting to succeed in school because the staff members made education seem important,” Echoles said. “If I could give parents a word of advice, it would be to get their children involved with the Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs. By being involved with these clubs, their children can be taught necessary things for being a good student, athlete and overall better person.”

Paris  graduated from Beloit Memorial High School where he ranked 29^th with a 3.8 GPA in a senior class of more than 390, and was a member of the National Honor Society, DECA, Upward Bound, Student Senate, the Minority Excellence Organization and played varsity football and basketball. He is attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in education. His ultimate career goal is to serve as an athletic director and “give back” what’s been given to him – hope and opportunity for all young people.