Ebony Gadson is not your average 16-year-old. Her personality shines so brightly that you would never think she had experienced any heartache in life. At age 8, Ebony lost her father to a motorcycle accident. Since then, she has dedicated herself to helping others. The rising Bluffton High senior was recently honored as the South Carolina Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a recognition that includes a $5,000 college scholarship and the chance to compete at the regional level. “Attending the Southeast Region Youth of the Year competition in Atlanta was a great experience,” Gadson said. “It was an amazing feeling to be around kids who have the same mindset and outlook on life.” Although she didn’t win the regional title, she’s still a star with a sparkle that’s hard to miss. Ebony will return to Atlanta for the Boys and Girls Clubs’ first-ever Advanced Leadership Institute, where she will join other State Youth of the Year winners from across the nation. She also will be recognized by the Beaufort County Board of Education at its next meeting on August 18th at the Bluffton library.