POST FALLS - Helping kids has given Cenedra Witherspoon confidence, and the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County has provided the Post Falls High sophomore that opportunity.

"I want to help younger people become smarter," Witherspoon said of why she volunteers at the club.

Witherspoon was recently named the local club's Youth of the Year and will represent Kootenai County at the nonprofit's state contest in Boise on Feb. 26.

"She's a huge role model to our club," said Tabitha Kraack, the club's director of operations. "She has taken on a leadership role. There's always two or three younger girls following her and wanting to spend time with her. She takes that as an honor to teach and guide them."

Witherspoon has been a member of the club for two years and a volunteer for a year.

"I see myself as being more of a volunteer than a member," said Witherspoon, who also has volunteered at the Kamp Ka-Mee-Lin youth summer camp in Post Falls. "I just feel the need to be a helper because they need extra help."

Among Witherspoon's responsibilities are serving snacks, helping kids with their homework and assisting with activities in the gym and teen room.

"I monitor the snack area because it can get crazy with young people," she said.

Ryan Davis, the club's executive director, said when Witherspoon started coming to the club she was withdrawn. She faced a lot of responsibility, helping out with her younger siblings, he said.

"She kept to herself at first," he said. "Cenedra knows full well that life isn't easy - she has had ups and downs like everybody else - but she has dealt with situations in the past that have only made her stronger."

Davis said he has noticed a complete turnaround in recent months.

"Everything from her sense of humor to the way she carries herself is a testament of the Boys and Girls Club and the Youth of the Year program," Davis said. "This has given her opportunities that may not have otherwise taken place."

As Youth of the Year, Witherspoon will represent the local club for the next year.

She plans to speak to multiple groups, including the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Post Falls Kiwanis and Post Falls Rotary. Businesses will donate dress clothes to her.

"She has never really had the opportunity to go shopping just for herself," Davis said.

Witherspoon has never been to Boise nor has she flown in a plane so the trip to the state contest will be two more "firsts."

Witherspoon said her involvement at the club has been a two-way street.

"The staff there have been my mentor when I needed it most," she said. "When I was having a bad day, they were there to help. It's a safe place for kids to go and stay out of trouble if you're leaning toward that direction.

"For me, it's a place where I can learn how to be a better person in my community and learn to help others. I didn't know anyone (at first), but I found out quickly how fast and easy it is to make friends."

Witherspoon said she plans to major in elementary education after she graduates high school.

For winning the local contest, Witherspoon won a $500 college scholarship, the trip to Boise, a medal and certificate.

At the state contest, six local winners will speak to legislators at the Capitol. The winner of that event advances to a regional contest in Anaheim this summer.

Youth of the Year contestants must prepare essays about themselves and what the club means to them, obtain letters of recommendation and are interviewed by judges.

Other local nominees were: Johnny Smith, who also volunteers at the Kootenai Humane Society; and Hope Newman, who started a nonprofit that donates blankets to kids in need.