To nominate a student for Youth Spotlight, email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com or call 315-4478.
FORT WALTON BEACH — Curtis Jarrett believes in giving back and creating an atmosphere that motivates young people to follow in his footsteps.
The senior at Choctawhatchee High School has been a member of the Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center since he was 6 years old, and now volunteers at the center in any capacity needed.
“Every chance he gets he comes back to help out with the kids, volunteers, helps with homework,” said Myyonna Pride, activity leader at the center.
Curtis, 17, says he grew up at the center receiving help with homework and motivation to make something of himself. He plans to become a lawyer.
“I just like giving back and helping with the kids,” Curtis said. “I want them to become like me and do something. The center helped me get there and I want to be a part of that for the kids there now.”
Curtis spends hours at a time helping students with homework, cleaning the center, accompanying the children on field trips and kicking a ball outside during recreation.
“For me, I grew up there,” Curtis said. “I like to help people and help these kids grow up to actually do something.
“We have generations of kids that are getting kind of bad. I want to help the kids at the center to do something more.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.