From hometown Olympian Morelle McCane to the CEO of Cerenity’s Lemonade, Cerenity Palmer, young people in Cleveland have been making names for themselves.  Another young lady in Central is making her mark, and, in her own words, “this is only the beginning.”

Ty’Janeya Gordon grew up in the King Kennedy Boys & Girls Club. Joining at just 5 years old. Now, in her last year as a member, she has received one of the club’s highest honors.

Gordon, 18, was named Youth of the Year on March 9. She is a senior and class president at East Tech High School. In addition, Gordon serves as the captain of the volleyball team and cheerleading squad. Signal Cleveland had the opportunity to catch up with Gordon to discuss her achievements and her goals for the future.

Q: Can you share with us how you got involved in the Boys & Girls Club?

Ty'Janeya Gordon at her pre-school graduation.
Ty’Janeya Gordon at her pre-school graduation. Credit: Ty'Janeya Gordon

My mom was in the Boys & Girls Club when she was younger. When I turned 5, she signed me up. I live in King Kennedy, so it’s right in the middle of my neighborhood. 

I really love the staff. They always have things for us to do. We’ve met players from the Cavs and entrepreneurs in the community. Even though we live in the ‘projects,’ they never make us feel like we are any different from anyone else.

Q: You are currently in your senior year at East Tech. What has your experience been like in the past few years as a student?

Gordon was born and raised in Central. She loves the way her community has has supported her over the years.
Gordon was born and raised in Central. She loves the way her community has has supported her over the years. Credit: Ty'Janeya Gordon

My freshman year, I went to Campus International High School (Asiatown). It wasn’t easy, and I didn’t like school when I was there. My mom decided to have me go to East Tech, so I transferred. What I love about Tech is that it has pushed me to become a better person. I’ve learned how to communicate much better. Before, if I needed help with school work – instead of asking my teachers I just wouldn’t do it. Now, I’m much more comfortable asking for help. 

Tech is like a home, it’s like a family. When I first got here, the other students showed me around and helped me find my way. The teachers love you, and they will help you get the work done. They are actually involved with the students. There are so many extracurricular activities to do. I really love it here.

Q: As a result of being named Youth of the Year, you received a $10,000 college scholarship from Cleveland Guardians Charities. Have you made any college plans yet?

I have. I will be attending Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio) and I will be majoring in accounting. I knew that I wanted to go to a historically Black college or university (HBCU). I toured a few, and I chose Central because I didn’t want to be too far away from home. 

In the Boys & Girls club, I help with managing the money. I thought to myself that I could really see this as a career for myself. Math is my favorite subject, so I figured accounting would be a good fit for me. People tell me all the time that I can make a lot of money being an accountant, but I don’t want to just do something for the money. I want to love what I do, so that’s why I made the choice to study that.

People tell me all the time that I can make a lot of money being an accountant, but I don’t want to just do something for the money. I want to love what I do, so that’s why I made the choice to study that.

Ty’Janeya Gordon

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?

I really enjoy spending time in my neighborhood (Central). It’s not as bad as people try to make it seem. Yes, things happen from time to time, but kids will be kids sometimes. We are all one. We help each other, and we show up for each other. 

I also love playing all sorts of sports. I’m going to be starting flag football pretty soon, so that will be something different. I just want to have fun.

Q: What are some words of encouragement you can offer your generation?

Gordon will be attending Central State where she will study accounting.
Gordon will be attending Central State where she will study accounting. Credit: Ty'Janeya Gordon

For me, I would just remind them to never give up. A part of the application process for the Youth of the Year award was that we had to submit a video talking about ourselves. I cried so many times while making the video because I kept messing up and couldn’t get it right. My mom just kept encouraging me, and she wouldn’t let me quit. I’m glad she did because I ended up winning. 

Then I would say, stay focused in school. These four years went by so quickly, so stay on top of your work, ask for help and get the job done. If you aren’t going to do it for anyone else, do it for yourself…and have fun along the way!

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.