CJJ | Spirit of Youth Award: 2010: Brandon McMillian
Brandon McMillian, a young man from Washington, D.C., received the 2010 Spirit of Youth Award during a celebratory luncheon held on April 10, 2010, as part of the CJJ Annual Spring Conference in Washington, D.C. Brandon received this award in recognition of his efforts to overcome many obstacles, for making the choice to change his life around, and for serving his community and acting as a mentor and role model for youth in the D.C. juvenile system.
Brandon spent 8 months at Oak Hill, a D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ secure facility (that has since been shut down), where he focused on personal growth and development. Upon being released, and understanding the challenges of transitioning from a secured facility to the community, Brandon identified a mentor through Mentoring Today. Three months after being released Brandon received his high school diploma and was chosen as the Salutatorian for his graduating class. Back in the community, Brandon continues to grow into a dedicated and charismatic leader, serving as a mentor and role model to youth through his work with DYRS and Mentoring Today.
“Brandon is a great example of what can happen when the juvenile justice system works well to offer a young person guidance and hope for positive change,” said Ben Deaton, CJJ National Youth Chair. “Brandon has overcome a lot in his life and is now truly making a difference as a mentor and inspiration to other young men and women.”
Brandon McMillian with family, friends and supporters. CJJ Awards Luncheon, April 10, 2010, Washington, D.C.
Photo by David Kindler.
[1] See all winners of Spirit of Youth Award.
[1]: http://juvjustice.org/award_5.html