Mackenzie Williams

While growing up in low-income housing projects and caring for his mother who was stricken with Leukemia, Mackenzie Williams found a strong support system at the Boys & Girls Club in Apalachicola. With the guidance and influence of positive role models, Mackenzie chose the road less traveled by many of his peers. He avoided the temptations of drugs, crime and violence, and instead focused on academics, athletics and developing his leadership skills.

“He was the type of Boys & Girls Club member who younger members wanted to be like and older members wanted to be,” said Jhaki Davis, Club director at Apalachicola. “He is a model of excellent character and epitomizes what many parents wish for their sons.”

While attending Apalachicola High School, Mackenzie was a member of BETA, the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, a prestigious math club. He also served as captain of his high school basketball team under Coach Joe Hayes, the former Franklin County area director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. In addition, Mackenzie volunteered in his community and tutored other Boys & Girls Club members. In 2006, he was selected among more than 7,000 members as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend’s Youth of the Year, the organization’s most prestigious honor.

After graduating high school, Mackenzie became the first in his family to attend college. He is currently a student at Florida State University, where he is studying sports medicine and hopes to become a high school basketball coach.

“Coach Hayes had such a major impact on my life,” Mackenzie said. “He taught me the values of discipline and humility and many other lessons that extend beyond the basketball court. I want to do for other kids what he did for me.”

When Mackenzie played under Coach Hayes, he became one of the best players in the Big Bend. He was named First Team All Big Bend his senior year and is the only five-year varsity player to graduate from Apalachicola High.

“When I first met Mackenzie, he had a lot of growing up to do,” said Coach Hayes. “But he managed to stay on the right track despite obstacles and grow into a responsible, respectable young man. I’m very proud of him, and I have no doubt he will succeed later in life.”

Mackenzie believes that the Boys & Girls Club helped him become the person he is today, and he looks forward to ensuring current Club members have the same experience.

“It brings me joy to volunteer at the Club and help kids who are where I was once,” he said. “I know they look up to me, but in a way, I am the one who looks up to them. These kids face things at home that no kids should have to face. The Club is their escape, and I’m so thankful they have that positive place to go.”