From the moment Jevyn Clark joined the YELLS Mentoring Program as a silly, but timid elementary school “Little,” he was watching, learning, and soaking it all in. He studied his “Big,” David, as he pitched service projects and brought ideas to life. That early exposure to mentorship and leadership planted a seed—and over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching that seed grow into something truly powerful.
Now, as a proud graduate of Marietta High School and future Georgia Southern Eagle, Jevyn leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and inspiration in the Franklin Gateway community he’s helped shape.
“Because of YELLS, he has matured greatly,” shares his mom. “He is now a leader in the program and has been called on several times to represent YELLS at national events. I am so proud of the young man my son is growing into, and YELLS is to thank.”
Jevyn has been a constant in the YELLS community since 2017. What began as a mentorship relationship blossomed into a calling. Inspired by the support he received as a Little, he chose to pay it forward. When he entered high school, Jevyn stepped up to become a “Big” himself, guiding the next generation of Littles with the same calm, confident presence that once lifted him.
“YELLS has made me a better leader and event planner,” Jevyn says. “And I’ve learned to network and go into new places without being scared.”
Throughout high school, Jevyn became one of our most trusted and impactful teen leaders in both the Mentoring Program and Community Action Café. He helped plan events, lead projects, and represent YELLS at national conferences in Charlotte and Washington, D.C. He was our go-to when we needed a youth voice that embodied wisdom and heart. Whether helping organize the Franklin Fair – an event he remembered from his own days as a Little – or leading community initiatives like Trunk or Treats or Police Town Halls, Jevyn brought vision, dedication, and follow-through. 5168 7027
“The end goal of YELLS is for everyone to be neighbors with each other and have good, positive, and healthy relationships,” he says. Jevyn didn’t just understand that mission; he lived it.
Jevyn found in YELLS not just opportunity, but family.
“I unfortunately fell into the stereotype of not having a father figure in my house, and YELLS definitely helped me out to see people I could look up to as positive figures,” he reflects. “That’s another thing YELLS helped me with—always looking at the positive in a situation.”
Now, Jevyn steps into his next chapter with confidence, strength, and a servant leader’s heart. He has discovered his gifts of building relationships, uplifting others, and leading by example, and he carries them into college and beyond.
We could not be prouder of Jevyn. He’s left an indelible mark on YELLS and Franklin Gateway, and we know the impact he’ll make in the world will only continue to grow.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me in YELLS,” Jevyn says.
The truth is, Jevyn, the honor has been all ours.
