North Philadelphia girl wins ‘Youth of the Year’ award

Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia has announced its Youth of the Year, which honors a teen for her service to family and community.

Soon after Taylor Cobb’s father took a paycut in 2010, her mother lost her job and was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.Seeing bills to pay, Cobb and her then 12 year-old sister went to businesses up and down Witaker Avenue, in North Philadelphia, asking for a job. No luck, especially for the 12 year old, but Cobb was able to get a receptionist position at Jefferson Hospital through the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs summer jobs program.

During the school year, she kept up school, atheletics, and took over responsibilities at home like cleaning and cooking. “It felt amazing to actually see that somebody recognized that yeah she’s been through this adversity but she overcame it,” Cobb said.

These days, Cobb is optimistic, and focused on going to university. “There are thousands of doors in front of me and I don’t know what’s behind the door, all i know is that once i open the door there’s something good and it leads to another door.”

Cobb will present her story next week alongside teens from around the state. A national award comes with a $50,000 scholarship. Cobb wants to become either a nurse or a teacher.