LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The YMCA Black Achievers Program held its 47th annual awards celebration, recognizing senior student program graduates. 

The Black Achievers Program invests in 9th through 12th grade students, giving them opportunities to participate in community service, helping them prepare for college and involving them in mentorship and job readiness activities throughout the school year.

During the fundraising event, Kennedi Wathen gave her speech as this year's YMCA Black Achiever of the Year, accepting $6,000 in scholarships. 

Many sang Wathen's praises. She completed more than 120 hours of community service. She's also involved in several organizations including FBLA, Army JROTC, National Honor Society, and Beta Club. 

In the essay Wathen submitted to the YMCA Black Achiever Program's scholarship committee, she wrote about her experiences of being judged by her peers. 

Wathen said her interests have always been different than many of her Black peers. Over the years, she has learned that she doesn't belong in a box. 

"I'm into K-Pop, and I like watching Korean shows and Thai shows," said Wathen. "I'm into video games, I play games like Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Call of Duty. I've one hundred percent been judged."

She said many times, some people made sure she felt like the odd ball out, questioning her blackness because of her interest.

"Those interests don't make me whitewashed. They make me who I am, and I wrote it on the term of whitewashed and growing up being called that," she said.

While participating in Black Achievers, Wathen gained confidence and support. She said she has built relationships with other students in the program who she now considers as close friends. 

The program gave her acceptance support when she felt like she needed it most. 

Chestnut Street Family YMCA executive Director Kamari Wooten said watching students grow in confidence is the most rewarding thing. 

"The growth we get to see in some of those students where they might have been introducing themself as kind of shy and meek and then they leave," Wooten said. "They're like chest out, firm handshake, you know those kinds of things," Wooten said. "That's just amazing."

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