JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida proudly announced that Paris Richardson, the newly crowned 2025 Miss Florida, has been awarded the inaugural Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Alumni Award. The recognition honors former Club members who have gone on to achieve distinction in their chosen fields while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Modeled after the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Alumni Hall of Fame award, this local honor highlights the “power of opportunity, mentorship, and the limitless potential within every child.” The award celebrates individuals whose dreams began at a Boys & Girls Club and who went on to achieve greatness in their careers and personal endeavors.
Richardson, a Jacksonville native and proud alumna of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and the Tipping the Scales mentor program, began her journey at The Bridge, her former Boys & Girls Club. It was there that the Tipping the Scales program sparked her interest in the medical field. At just 16, she gained firsthand experience through the program, an opportunity she credits as pivotal to her future. Richardson later earned a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Florida.
“Paris Richardson’s story is a shining example of how the Boys & Girls Clubs experience creates a foundation for success,” said Paul Martinez, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “Her dedication to her community, her accomplishments on the state stage, and her career path in health administration makes her the perfect recipient of our first ever Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Alumni Award to inspire our current Club members to pursue their dreams with confidence.”
Notable past honorees of the national BGCA Alumni Hall of Fame have included celebrities, athletes, and leaders across diverse industries. By establishing its own alumni recognition program, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida aims to spotlight local leaders who began their journeys at a Club and are now paving the way for future generations.
The Jacksonville City Council presented the award during a recent visit with Club members in July, further underscoring the community’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the lasting impact of Boys & Girls Clubs.
