Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture
Makeup by Heather Dubuisson, HD Hair and Makeup
From the time she was a sixth-grader, chatting and playing games with residents of a local senior citizen home, Aryn Eady has recognized the importance of service.
Ever since, the senior at at D’Iberville High School has made volunteering a major part of her life.
“My desire to give back has been fueled by the impact that I have seen on my community,” she says. “I believe you should give more than you receive, and I have had so many people pour into me. I want to be that for others.”
A member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast from the age of 5, Eady credits the organization with developing her skills and inspiring her generosity. She achieved a longtime goal recently when she won the organization’s most prestigious honor: Youth of the Year.
“Serving as a mentor and role model has been an experience like no other,” Eady says. “I can connect with younger Club members and give good advice while holding them to a high standard.”
Eady doesn’t exempt herself from her own lofty expectations, especially when it comes to leadership and community service. Since middle school, the ambitious teen has been involved with the Beta Club, Student Council and Torch/ Keystone Leadership Club and has participated in many community service and volunteer activities — including food drives, meal distribution and beach clean-up.
“Aryn is the epitome of what it means to be a Boys & Girls Clubs member,” says Morgan Bogolin, senior director of operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast. “She is a kind, determined and humble leader. Aryn takes pride in her work as a student, volunteer and athlete, and everything she does is accomplished with excellence.”
“There are so many people in need and causes worth getting involved with, and I am honored to be a part of making my community a better place,” she says. “An important lesson I have learned is that everyone should be treated with the same respect. Whether old, young, poor or in need, every person’s thoughts, feelings and experiences matter.”
EVERYONE’S EXPERIENCES MATTER
The daughter of U.S. Air Force veterans, 17-year-old Eady receives fulfillment from making a positive impact. Caring, compassionate and optimistic, she finds that the smiles on people’s faces — and the knowledge that she has made their lives better – are volunteering’s greatest rewards.
“There are so many people in need and causes worth getting involved with, and I am honored to be a part of making my community a better place,” she says. “An important lesson I have learned is that everyone should be treated with the same respect. Whether old, young, poor or in need, every person’s thoughts, feelings and experiences matter.”
Eady especially enjoys chaperoning field trips and watching younger Club members’ faces light up as they have new and exciting experiences. Her biggest passion is track and field, and over the summer, she mentored Harrison County School District middle schoolers in her two favorite events: discus and shot put.
The accomplished athlete was well qualified to do so, as she has set multiple records for discus and is ranked top three in the state for this year and all time.
“It was so rewarding to see other kids who had never been exposed to track and field interested in these events,” Eady says. “I hope I helped them find a hobby, or even a genuine interest in track and field, that may one day turn into a career or pathway to college scholarships.”
HELPING CREATE A BETTER COMMUNITY
Dual enrolled at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and D’Iberville High, Eady will graduate with her high school diploma and associate degree in May. Afterward, she plans to attend a four-year university on a track-and-field scholarship and earn a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences before applying to medical school.
“My dream is to become an orthopedic surgeon serving the National Football League,” she says. “Once I am established in my career, I plan to become an entrepreneur and open my own athletic training centers nationwide for future athletes to train and receive support.”
In the short and long term, she also intends to keep volunteering, which includes working with her unit director and fellow Club members to identify and address community needs.
Whatever path Eady chooses, Bogolin is sure she’ll continue to make the Coast proud.
“Young people like Aryn are crucial in creating a better and more supportive Gulf Coast community,” she says. “Not only does she knock down every goal and surpass all barriers, but she also turns around and pulls the next person up alongside her.”