| Jarryd Boyd Pedaling for Good Cause |
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| From the Pensacola New Journal |
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Teenager pedaling for good cause
Reginald T. Dogan • June 12, 2010
Whatever Jarryd Boyd does, whether in school or in service, he always goes the extra mile.
He graduated with honors this month from Pensacola High School's International Baccalaureate program.
Last year, he was elected Junior Civitan International president, leading the community service organization's 12,000 junior members in 400 clubs throughout Africa, Europe and North America.
In his leadership role, Boyd traveled throughout the United States, and made trips to Mexico and Canada, while maintaining a 4.1 grade point average in the IB program and volunteering his time in various organizations and charitable groups.
Pedaling for Paisley
His last trip before the end of his term this month won't be his longest, but it may well be his hardest — and most rewarding.
He's riding the last 15 miles of a bicycle relay next Saturday in Birmingham, Ala., to raise money for research and awareness about Down syndrome.
Pedaling in the Paisley's Wheels Across America relay, Boyd hopes to raise $10,000 of the Junior Civitan's $100,000 goal for the UAB Civitan International Research Center in Birmingham, a medical research center with a central focus on the treatment and prevention of developmental disabilities.
"I've always had a strong desire to raise money for the research center, and this was a great way to do it," said Boyd, 18, who plans to major in public relations at Florida State University in the fall.
The bike relay began June 5 in Little Rock, Ark., and continues each Saturday until it ends in Birmingham on June 19. It was named in honor of Paisley White of Coconut Creek, a 3-year-old girl with Down syndrome.
With a full plate of activities at the end of his high school career, Boyd squeezed in some time biking and running a couple miles about three times a week.
Always serving
When the bike relay ends next week, Boyd's run as president winds down, too.
At the end of this month, he will deliver his final State of the Union address in Jacksonville. He'll also be responsible for training district governors and helping with the upcoming Junior Civitan elections.
When his presidency ends, Boyd won't stop serving as a Civitan.
Like he did at Workman Middle School and PHS, Boyd has high hopes of starting a Civitan chapter at FSU.
"The Civitans is a group of everyday people who want to make a difference in their community no matter their background or personality," he said. "I want to stay true to our tradition and our Junior Civitan creed: 'We progress in a world of change.' "
Information
For more information on Paisley's Wheels Across America, contact Jarryd Boyd at 723-6463, or e-mail him at jarryd.boyd@yahoo.com. |
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| Junior Civitan International President, Jarryd Boyd
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