From Club Kid to Duke University: Meet our 2025 Youth of the Year, Raymond

Meet Raymond, the 2025 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. A recent graduate of Jones High School and now a freshman at Duke University on a full scholarship, Raymond’s path has been anything but ordinary. His story is one of resilience, brilliance, and the life-changing power of community support. 

Overcoming Adversity: A Journey Fueled by Hope 

Raymond’s early life was marked by instability. At just six years old, he and his mother found themselves living at the Coalition for the Homeless. It was there that Raymond first walked through the blue doors of the Levy-Hughes Boys & Girls Club — an experience that would ultimately change the course of his life. 

“I had no idea this building would become a place of limitless possibilities and would ultimately change the trajectory of my entire life,” Raymond shared in his keynote address at our 2025 Celebrate the Children Gala. “It became the home I didn’t have.” 

That Club became a safe haven — not only offering hot meals and winter clothes but also a sense of belonging, mentorship, and purpose. From learning how to tie a tie to his first science project, Raymond discovered a world where curiosity and ambition were not only welcomed but nurtured. 

A Passion for Science and Service 

Inspired by the movie Interstellar and Kip Thorne’s The Science of Interstellar, Raymond developed a fascination with the cosmos. That spark of curiosity led him to independent studies in quantum mechanics, evolution, and theoretical physics. He would go on to become an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, graduate with a 3.9 GPA, and rank third in his class at Jones High School. 

“I became a dedicated student and found solace in the idea that, in a life full of chaos, the universe followed order, and that fascinated me,” Raymond said. 

Now at Duke University, Raymond is pursuing his dream of researching dark matter and theoretical physics. But he’s not stopping there. His ultimate goal? To use his education to give back to the communities that believed in him. 

A Voice for Youth: Leadership and Advocacy 

As the 2025 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year, Raymond represented Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida at the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs’ Annual Days of Advocacy. In Tallahassee, he met with Florida legislators, sharing how Club experiences shaped his path and future goals. He also earned a spot as one of the top four finalists in the statewide Youth of the Year competition, making his community proud. 

Raymond’s poise, purpose, and passion for service made a lasting impression on leaders across the state. Whether advocating for youth development or speaking about his love of science and education, he exemplified the qualities of a true ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. 

Excellence at Every Level: Central Florida Judges Weigh In 

Earlier this year, Raymond was named the 2025 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year for Central Florida. Judges from respected organizations across Central Florida were moved by his compelling story, confidence, and drive: 

“Raymond’s overall submission was strong, and he had confidence in himself that truly gave him the edge over the others. He was able to share his story of adversity, curiosity, and perseverance—and how the Club helped him along his journey.” 
— Nisha Brice, Florida Blue 

“Raymond stood out because of his charisma and eloquence. His speech told a story about the encouragement he had received at Boys & Girls Club — and his ‘why.’” 
— Victoria Butler, AdventHealth 

“Raymond’s interview was exceptional. He is a born storyteller. He captivated us with his harrowing experience of homelessness after a fire destroyed his home. His strong sense of self is inspiring.” 
— Christina Ferraro, Disney 

“What I enjoyed most about Raymond was his authentic and magnetic personality. His ability to mix humor with gratitude, along with his clear commitment to his community, made him a standout.” 
— Tadar Muhammad, CareerSource Central Florida 

These affirmations reflect what so many at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida already knew — Raymond is a rare leader with the intellect, compassion, and authenticity to inspire real change. 

A Defining Moment: Celebrate the Children Gala 

Raymond’s keynote speech at the 2025 Celebrate the Children Gala left few dry eyes in the room. As he shared his story of overcoming homelessness and loss — most heartbreakingly, the destruction of his home in a fire just seven months after finally gaining stability — his gratitude for the Club shined through. 

In a surprise moment that brought the crowd to their feet, Shannon Smith-Conrad, a Walt Disney World Ambassador, presented Raymond with an additional $10,000 scholarship, courtesy of the Boys & Girls Club family. 

“Turns out, the little things turned out to be not so little after all,” Raymond told the crowd. “Because of the strength of my mother, the unwavering support of my Club, and the love I found for science, I not only survived — I thrived.” 

Why Raymond’s Story Matters 

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, we believe every child deserves a safe place to grow, explore, and lead. Raymond’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are surrounded by mentorship, resources, and unwavering belief in their potential. 

The mission of our organization is to inspire and enable all young people — especially those who need us most — to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible adults. Raymond embodies this mission. He is not just a scholar or a speaker; he is a changemaker and a beacon of what the next generation can accomplish when given the chance. 

Looking Ahead 

Raymond is now writing the next chapter of his story at Duke University, pursuing physics and possibly mathematics. He plans to pay it forward — investing in youth, uplifting his community, and continuing to inspire with his curiosity and purpose-driven mindset. 

“Our time on this earth is limited,” Raymond says. “And I intend to leave it better than I found it.” 

We couldn’t be more proud of Raymond, and we can’t wait to see the difference he’ll make in the world.