SSAB Special Steels, title sponsor for the 2023 Youth of the Year (YOY) program, was on hand at the Bernard Malkove Branch for a recognition ceremony kicking off the month-long celebration of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama (BGCSA) annual YOY program culminating with the Awards Luncheon On Thursday, May 25 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel.
Jermaine West, BGCSA Youth director, opened the recognition ceremony by giving an overview of the program and application process and sharing how winners were chosen based on academic achievement and strong leadership skills, community service, positive attitude, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, participating in physical activities and sports programs, character and being positive role models, and communication skills. Robert Kennedy, Jr, BGCSA CEO, remarked on recognizing our youth leaders and celebrating their accomplishments.
Andy Bramstedt, general manager for SSAB Special Steels’ Mobile mill, along with SSAB representatives Jill Vinson and Felecia Hosey, supported the Youth of the Year (YOY) program by acknowledging the students’ accomplishments. The ceremony also served to emphasize the importance of providing local youth with resources for educational achievement. As part of this effort, SSAB Steels presented checks symbolizing their dedication to academic success, leadership, and community engagement: Congrats to the following:
- Ryan M., 2023 BGCSA Youth of the Year; Bernard Malkove Branch
- Jayden J., Foley Branch
- Rashaad J., Kiwanis Branch
- Kayleigh M., Optimist Branch
- Brooklyn R., Semmes Branch
- Ashleigh R., Sonny Callahan Branch
SSAB Special Steels’ efforts demonstrate their commitment to youth development programs and help pave the way for a brighter future for youth in Mobile, Baldwin, and surrounding counties. SSAB has been a phenomenal supporter of BGCSA since 2010, giving their time, talent, and resources. From its manufacturing workers to senior management, SSAB employees serve as our volunteers, giving guided tours of the company’s facilities and providing on-the-job internships. In 2022 SSAB received the BGCSA 2022 Champion of the Youth Award, and SSAB employee, Felecia Hosey was awarded the 2022 Board Member of the Year for her tireless efforts supporting the BGCSA. Johnny Sjostrum, Executive VP and Head of Special Steels division, was a Youth of the Year Judge in 2022.
SSAB Americas is ‘reinventing the future of steel.’ Their continued investment in the young people of Southwest Alabama is also reinventing their futures.
Thank you, SSAB Special Steels, for ‘Doing Whatever It Takes to Build Bright Futures.’
