Determination, compassion for others and a commitment to achieving her dreams are qualities that Amber Jefferson demonstrates on a daily basis. She has excelled in school, extracurricular activities and numerous volunteer programs, while holding a job to help out with her family's finances. Her dream is to attend college and become a dietician.

Amber comes from a single parent home, with her mother working two jobs to help make ends meet. In October 2004, Amber's life as she knew it changed forever. Her beloved grandmother, Pinkie Lee Jefferson, died suddenly of a heart attack. Unfortunately, after her passing, the family found itself in a financial bind, which added to the pain of their loss. With the matriarch of the family gone and the bills piling up, Amber, who was a junior at the time, felt a sense of obligation to her mother and younger sister and took on a part-time job. By her senior year, she was working the equivalent of full-time to help support her family.

Family and friends describe Amber as a self-motivated, focused young woman who time and again demonstrates outstanding leadership skills and deep compassion for others. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, Amber has become a positive role model for other members. As a Club volunteer, her favorite activities are helping the younger members with their homework and with arts and crafts projects.

Amber has been an active member of the Girl Scouts of America organization for 10 years. She is one of only a few Girl Scouts to earn the prestigious Silver Award and Gold Award. In addition, she has been an active participant in campus activities at East Central High School. She served as an athletic trainer for several teams and was a member of the National Beta Club. For one year, Amber served as a Peer Assistant Leader for youth in her school district. This select group of students serves as positive role models for elementary school children in the district. She also participated in the ROTC, Top Teens of America and the Perfect Praise Dance Ministry.

As Amber saw herself and others around her struggling to manage their weight and to live a healthy life, she began to educate herself about sound nutrition. This led to her decision to become a dietician after she graduates from college. Amber was instrumental in organizing a Healthy Choices workshop at the Redeeming Grace Boys & Girls Club. This program taught Club members about adopting good health, nutrition and fitness habits on a lifelong basis.

Amber is a true ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio. She exhibits poise, grace and inner strength. She consistently shows concern for and kindness toward others. Amber has overcome economic and family obstacles with fortitude and a deep conviction that, with hard work and a positive attitude, she can make her goals a reality.