AUGUSTA – An Edward Little High School senior recently represented the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse at the State Youth of the Year competition. Shawna Albert, 17, an eight-year member of the local clubhouse, was chosen to represent the Twin Cities in April.

“I consider myself a good role model,” Albert said of her role with younger members of the Boys and Girls Club. “I’m showing them that anything is possible, no matter what situation you’re put in or what hardships you come across.”

Youth of the Year is designed to promote and recognize service to club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Competition begins with each club selecting a Youth of the Year, who receives a certificate and medallion then enters state competition.

Gov. John Baldacci spoke during the dinner, telling youth about his own childhood experiences attending the Boys and Girls Clubs of Waterville when he visited family during his youth.

The dinner was held to honor the seven club members from Maine who competed at the state level.

This year’s winner was Morgan Talty, 17, another long-time member who attends the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club in Orono.

Albert will graduate in the top 20 of her class. She will attend University of New England-Westbrook in the fall where she plans to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

During her time at the Boys and Girls Club, Albert participated in Torch Club, a pre-teen leadership program; Power Hour, an after-school homework assistance program; pool tournaments; and club activities.

Today, in addition to helping staff run programs and tutoring kids during homework time, she has also worked with program director Joyce Campbell to develop a small group discussion group for younger girls this past school year.

The program addresses adolescent issues like body image, dating and physical fitness.

“I’ve known Shawna since I first began working at the club because it was her first year too,” Campbell said. “Over the years, I’ve watched Shawna grow up to be a responsible, caring citizen of this community.”

Albert is considered one of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine’s best ambassadors.

In addition to helping out daily with club activities, she has also helped with several community events held locally and regionally.

Albert is involved in a variety of school and community activities.

Last year, she served as a page in the Maine House of Representatives. She also helps distribute cards to area nursing home patients.

This past school year, she served as a mentor to incoming freshmen.

Albert has also been instrumental during the “Day for Kids” events each fall that feature several activities for area children. She also helped with the set up and breakdown for the club’s annual holiday party and a party hosted by the Lewiston MAINEiacs hockey team.

“She’s an outstanding member in so many respects,” said Robert Clark, executive director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. “She is one who really gives back to the club and is a shining example of what we want to see in a long-time member.”