For 16-year-old Jasmine Morris, leadership is not a matter of title but comes from simply doing what needs to be done.

Morris was named the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club’s 2010 Youth of the Year in part because she did just that.

When the Keystone Club, a leadership organization for teens at the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club, lost three seniors last summer, Morris stepped up to the plate to carry on organizing and leading the group.

In addition to heading the Keystone Club, the Heritage High School senior also spends much of her time volunteering with the younger children at the B&G Club and organizing events such as an egg-drop, a Cancer Radio-thon and working with Census efforts, said Shurette Teen Center Director Terrence Artis.

"She is a ball of energy," said Aiesha Treadwell, assistant adviser for the Teen Center. "She has a wonderful personality. She’s always positive. I’ve never seen her frowning. She gets along with everybody."

Artis agreed. "She stood out to us."

Morris said she was nervous at first to do the public speaking engagements that was required of all the Youth of the Year, but now she feels more comfortable with it. She will go on to compete with metro-area club Youth of the Year for the regional title.