MBUSA Awards Scholarship to Boys & Girls Clubs of New Jersey's State Youth of the Year

High School Student from Hudson County to Receive $10,000 Award

MONTVALE, N.J., June 9 -- As part of its commitment to making a difference in the local community, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Jersey State Youth of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz USA Youth of the Year Scholarship was presented to Jazelle Hunt of Jersey City at the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Jersey's gala dinner held at The Garden Manor in Aberdeen, New Jersey on May 25. Jazelle Hunt, an advanced placement student at McNair Academic High School, who plans to attend Howard University in the fall, was recognized for her outstanding commitment to her family, school and her community.

"As a company that is synonymous with the aspiration for excellence, it is an honor for us, in turn, to have the opportunity to celebrate the leadership and achievements of today's most promising youth and provide them with the resources to pursue their dreams for the future," said Paul Halata, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. "Mercedes-Benz is proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year program and through it, the students who continually strive to reach their full potential."

The oldest child in a family of six, Jazelle Hunt helped raise her younger siblings, all the while maintaining a strong grade point average in school and getting involved in community activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Jersey City. A mentor not only for her siblings, but for the younger children at the Club, Jazelle garners accolades for diligence, perseverance, enthusiasm, integrity, generosity and determination that many strive to emulate. Jazelle is active in her community through fundraisers, the Citywide Student Council and food and clothing drives for the less fortunate as well as other community activities organized through the Keystone Club.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year Recognition Program promotes and celebrates Club members' service to their club, community and family; academic performance; spiritual values; life goals and poise and public speaking ability. The New Jersey State Youth of the Year program recognizes the most outstanding Boys & Girls Club members in New Jersey and selects one individual to represent New Jersey in the Regional and National Competition.

"The State Youth of the Year program is a unique opportunity for Boys & Girls Clubs professionals, volunteers and supporters from across the state to come together to recognize the achievements of New Jersey's finest young leaders, many of whom come from disadvantaged circumstances," said Connie Ludwin, state director of Boys & Girls Clubs of New Jersey. "And for Jazelle Hunt, the support of MBUSA will help alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with college."

Every spring, each of the 27 local Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey select a candidate between the ages of 14 and 18 to represent his or her club in the New Jersey State Youth of the Year competition. Each candidate is evaluated based on academic achievement, financial need, life goals, public speaking, character and leadership as well as his or her contributions to the club and community. The program was designed to build leadership skills and self- esteem, improve writing and public speaking skills and develop recognition of good character, personal growth and healthy attitudes toward home, community, school and Boys & Girls Clubs. State Youth of the Year winners move on to compete in the regional and national Youth of the Year competitions. The National Youth of the Year will be announced in September at a Congressional breakfast in Washington D.C.

Through its philanthropic program, Mercedes-Benz USA supports a select group of organizations oriented around educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved.

MBUSA has collaborated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for the past two years on a national level by offering DRIVE YOUR FUTURE scholarships to BGCA members across the country. On a local level in New Jersey, where MBUSA is headquartered, the company supports the Boys & Girls Club New Jersey State Youth of the Year initiative as well as the Concert For Kids Fund a Dream project. MBUSA also works with individual Boys & Girls Clubs on various events throughout the year.

Boys & Girls Clubs

Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey (http://www.bgcnj.org/) are part of a national network of more than 3,300 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 3.6 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Clubs programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. There are 27 Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, serving 70,000 children in more than 60 locations. For more information, please call the State Office at 973-765-9612.

Mercedes-Benz USA

Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA focuses on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. The company views education as an opportunity to ensure that as many of today's youth as possible are given the tools, guidance and support they need to reach their full potential. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.