Christopher (Chris) Myles…Since age five, Chris lived in four different foster homes and only one, the last one he settled in, had a father living at home. His mother was a victim of domestic violence and had to send her three children to different homes. Lacking a strong bond with his parents and siblings, Chris found stability at Boys & Girls Clubs.
He was a member at the Fauver-Martin Club in Highland Park for six years. As a young teen, he took the initiative to clean up lunch trays during the summer program, which led to a paying position as an aide. He spent 950 hours working and assisting at the Club over a year’s time. He joined the Keystone Club, a service group; and also completed the Education & Career Development training program, where he gained valuable job readiness skills.
"Going to the Club was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It became a second home," Chris said. "It kept me out of trouble and off the streets. I got to hang out with my friends and meet new ones too."
His achievements and ability to overcome adversity were recognized when he was named 2008 Youth of the Year for the Fauver-Martin Club.
Chris is always ready to lend a helping hand by assisting with charity events and programs and running errands for seniors in his neighborhood. A few years ago, he helped take care of his grandfather when he became ill. Chris was so reliable, he became known as his grandfather’s “right-hand man,” and was deeply saddened by his death.
Chris is good at sports, especially running and basketball, yet also enjoys the elegance of ballroom dancing. An honors graduate from Mumford High School, Chris earned a scholarship to study engineering at Western Michigan University. Well-rounded, Chris has an easy-going nature, positive attitude and winning smile that, when combined with his academic ability and determination, will take him far.
