Cyndi Loza

For Reyniesha Sharp, overcoming obstacles has become second nature. At the age of 3, Reyniesha’s mother left the family — leaving her father to fend for her and her two sisters. At 9, she moved to Downstate Alton, where she often lived out of a suitcase — moving so many times she lost count and sometimes ending up living out of a car for a night or two.

“I do cry about it and a majority of the time want to give up,” said Reyniesha, now 17. “But I try to use all the negativity … to some way motivate me and try even harder.”

Her perseverance has paid off.

Inspired by club

Reyniesha, who has been active at her school, community and Alton’s Boys & Girls Clubs, was just named the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year.

She was given $11,000 in scholarship money and could receive an additional $15,000 if she wins the National Youth of the Year competition in Washington this September.

Though Reyniesha has lived through many hardships, she said her family and her nine-year membership to the club helped her develop into a responsible young lady.

“What made me keep going was just the love of my dad and the love from the Boys & Girls Club,” Reyniesha said.