Her blue-streaked hair and contagious smile make 18-year-old Shonnetta Henry look like your average, happy-go-lucky Denver teenager. Which she is. But there’s a much deeper side to the 2008 East High School graduate. She’s a strong leader, excellent student, volunteer, writer and self-described “lighthouse” for her three younger siblings.
She’s also the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver’s Youth of the Year, and she was honored earlier this month at the organization’s annual gala, Making Waves. Max and Ramey Caulkins chaired the auction and dinner with Nesa Hassanein.
Henry’s journey toward the title began in February, when she was named Senior Youth of the Year. Any club member between 14 and 18 can be nominated for this title that recognizes contributions to a member’s family, school, community and local club achieved in the face of personal challenges.
At East, Henry was active in Black Student Alliance, the varsity speech team, and East Theatre Company while maintaining an academic schedule that included five Advanced Placement courses and two accelerated courses. Additionally, she’s a poet, dancer and caretaker for her younger sister and two brothers.
A member of the George M. Wilfley Boys & Girls Club in northwest Denver, Henry is a junior staff member; president of the Keystone Club, a leadership group for teen members; a teacher for Words Can Heal, a program teaching members the power of language; and a participant in the Ink About It poetry-writing and performance group.
In 2007, Henry received the Swanee Hunt Individual Leadership Award for her service to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.
“Shonnetta is a great role model to the younger members at the club and her peers,” observes Tonja Mitchell, character and leadership development coordinator for the clubs.
Henry received a $4,000 scholarship from the clubs; a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation; and the chance to compete for the Colorado Youth of the Year.
Also honored at the Making Waves Gala: Junior Youth of the Year Guy Johnson, a 14-year-old member of the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club in Montbello, and Pat Bowlen, owner and president of the Denver Broncos.
Denver aplub director Rich Barrows praised Johnson as one who “is much more mature than older members, which he demonstrates through his behavior and involvement inside and outside of the club.” Johnson received a $100 gift card.
Those at the gala included the honorary chairmen, Gov. Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hickenlooper, with their wives, Jeannie Ritter and Helen Thorpe; Steve McConahey, chairman of the BGCMD board, and his wife, Kathy; District Attorney Mitch Morrissey and his wife, Maggie; Patricia Baca; Peter Cudlip and Marti Alter-Cudlip; Bev Martinez of Gold Sponsor CW2; Chris and Rosie Wiedenmayer; and Oakwood Homes boss Pat Hamill with his wife, Kitty.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also,
