U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) welcomed Cory Seals, Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia’s 2017/2018 Youth of the Year Runner-up, as his special guest to the State of the Union. Cory is from Atlanta, Georgia, and currently attends the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he studies directing, playwriting, and production with a minor in musical theater.

“It was an honor to have Cory Seals, a top student from Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia, as my guest to the State of the Union,” said Senator Perdue. “With support and encouragement from Boys & Girls Clubs staff, Cory has been able to excel academically and make a difference in his community. Today, he’s fulfilling his dream of attending the University of the Arts. Cory’s story is proof that with hard work and mentorship, anyone can succeed. I’m proud that the Boys & Girls Clubs of America calls Georgia home, and I share their commitment to helping kids and teens reach their full potential.”

“As a child, I remember watching the State of the Union address with my parents. They always felt it was important for me to be informed about what was going on in the government,” said Cory Seals. “It was a humbling experience to know I was part of such a great moment in history and a legacy of promoting adult literacy with Boys & Girls Clubs and Senator Perdue.”

“On behalf of the 4.3 million kids and teens Boys & Girls Clubs serve across the country and the more than 73,000 in Georgia alone, we are grateful for Senator Perdue’s continued leadership and commitment to help ensure great futures for our nation’s youth,” said Julie Teer, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “At Boys & Girls Clubs, we help ensure kids and teens are life- and career-ready so that young people like Cory can achieve their full potential. In fact, 83 percent of Club members believe they can make a difference in the community. Having a front row view at the workings of our democracy is pivotal to making that belief a reality.”