Children’s Spotlight: Three Young Changemakers Compete for Ohio’s Youth of the Year
Every so often, we come across young individuals whose passion, resilience, and dedication inspire us all. This week, our Children’s Spotlight shines on three remarkable teenagers, Ke’mya Lam, Megan Oliver, and Demarion Sample-Jackson—who are making waves in their communities. These outstanding young leaders have been selected as finalists for Ohio’s Youth of the Year, a prestigious honor awarded by the Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.
Each of them brings a unique story of perseverance and a commitment to driving change in their respective spheres, advocating for underprivileged youth, preserving cultural identity, and promoting mental health awareness.
Ke’mya Lam: A Voice for Underprivileged Youth
For Ke’mya Lam, creating opportunities for underprivileged children is more than a cause, it’s a mission. A dedicated member of the Dayton Boys & Girls Club, Ke’mya first joined alongside her younger sibling four years ago. Since then, her journey has evolved from participant to leader, working as a junior staff member while still engaging in club activities.
Her firsthand experiences with children facing economic hardship have shaped her perspective. She believes that access to resources such as tutoring, mentorship, and extracurricular activities, can significantly impact a child’s success.
“If you have a kid that has these opportunities where he can go to tutoring after school, or he doesn’t have to watch his sibling, or he doesn’t have to work a job, he’s more likely to do just a little bit better than someone who has to take on these responsibilities,” Ke’mya explains.
With a bright future ahead, she plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona to study nursing, with the long-term goal of expanding Boys & Girls Clubs to reach more children in need.
Megan Oliver: Honoring and Educating on Native American Culture
Megan Oliver carries a deep sense of cultural pride and responsibility. As a member of the Navajo tribe and a descendant of the Swinomish and Kiowa tribes, she has made it her mission to educate others about Native American heritage.
Living in Ohio, she quickly realized that many of her peers lacked knowledge about Indigenous cultures, often unaware that Native American communities still thrive today. Instead of letting this discourage her, Megan took action—organizing cultural events to introduce her community to Native American traditional dances, foods, and history.
“I’m passionate about it because in Ohio, there’s a lot of people that don’t know that Native Americans still exist,” she says.
Her efforts have had a lasting impact, with events growing each year in size and significance. Megan is the Military Youth of the Year for Ohio, representing the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Youth Program, which is part of the Boys & Girls Club. As the daughter of a retired Air Force member and an active-duty Army member, she is also deeply connected to the military community.
She plans to continue her education at Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, furthering her advocacy and ensuring that Native American culture remains seen, valued, and celebrated.
Demarion Sample-Jackson: Championing Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness is a cause deeply personal to Demarion Sample-Jackson. Having faced his own struggles with mental health, he now speaks openly about suicide prevention and self-worth, using his journey to uplift others.
“Everyone should be told every day that you are worthy and that you belong here,” he emphasizes.
Demarion is a proud member of the Boys & Girls Club of Hamilton and has used his platform to raise awareness about teen mental health issues. His message is simple yet powerful: young people struggling with mental health challenges are not alone, and their feelings are valid.
Tommy John, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hamilton, highlights Demarion’s impact:
“It’s not just changing his life to be able to share his story, but it changes other people’s lives who hear that… who might feel like they’re alone or like they’re the only person out there that feels like this.”
As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, Demarion will be attending South Carolina State University to study fashion merchandising. His story serves as a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the importance of mental health advocacy.
A Brighter Future Ahead
On Thursday, April 4, 2025, Ke’mya, Megan, and Demarion will represent their region at the Ohio Youth of the Year competition in Columbus. The winner, along with two runners-up, will receive scholarships and go on to serve as ambassadors for the Boys & Girls Club.
Regardless of the outcome, these three young leaders have already proven that they are champions in their own right. Through their advocacy, resilience, and determination, they are shaping a world where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Their stories inspire us all to take action, support young voices, and believe in the power of youth to change the world.
