The Boys & Girls Club of Joliet hosted its highly anticipated Back-to-School event on August 6, 2024, welcoming families and youth from the local community. Among the distinguished speakers were Joseph “JoJo” Awinongya Jr., a 21-time national boxing champion and Team USA member, and Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow. The event, organized by Chantel Gamboa, provided a platform for inspiring messages, community engagement, and resources for the upcoming school year.
At just 17 years old, Awinongya Jr. is not only a rising star in the boxing world but also a role model for young people. Having started college at the age of 13, JoJo spoke passionately to the audience about the importance of perseverance, education, and community. “Education is the foundation for success,” he emphasized, encouraging the youth to stay curious and dedicated in their academic pursuits.
State’s Attorney James Glasgow followed JoJo’s remarks by advising the youth to follow in JoJo’s footsteps, praising him as an exemplary student and athlete. “Joseph has set a powerful example for all of you,” Glasgow said. He thanked JoJo for his inspiring words and extended a personal invitation for JoJo to join him in future engagements when speaking to young people. Glasgow was so inspired by JoJo’s story and impact that he expressed interest in the idea of establishing a boxing gym at the Boys & Girls Club, seeing it as a way to provide more opportunities for youth to engage in positive, character-building activities.
Event organizer Chantel Gamboa expressed her gratitude to both speakers for their impactful contributions. “Having Joseph and James here today means a lot to our community,” she said. “Their messages of hope, determination, and the importance of education will leave a lasting impact on our youth as they head into the new school year.”
The event also featured vendors from the Joliet Library, the University of Illinois Extension program, the Girl Scouts, Amazon, and Ikea, providing valuable resources and opportunities for families to engage with the community.
As the event concluded, JoJo Awinongya Jr. left the youth with a powerful message: “With perseverance, education, and the support of our community, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” His words echoed the theme of the day, inspiring the next generation to strive for greatness.
From Sammy Heywood Okine
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