Our youth of the year event is always a reminder of why the work that we do is so important. Each of our Club members shared stories of friendship, encouragement they received from staff, and their own growth in challenging themselves with new activities and to help others along the way. Please take the time to read through their stories and why these 11 youth represent the Boys & Girls Club of Vista so well.
When speaking with staff, Olive, our 4th grade Jr. Youth of the Year shared, “If I didn’t have anywhere else to go, I would come to the Boys & Girls Club, it’s like a second home.” You can read Olive’s speech below.
This event was also an important reminder of why we need your support. Our upcoming Diamond Gala is a great way to help us ensure that we can continue offering high quality programs that will impact our youth with opportunities that they might not have without us. This year we are celebrating 60 years of this impact and I would love to see you at the event.
I would like to say thank you to everyone gathered here today because I wouldn’t be standing up here without you. This is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me and I am really proud to be receiving this Youth of the Year award and representing the Boys and Girls Club of Vista.
The club is like a safe haven to me. When I first came to the club, some other club members gave me a tour and they were very friendly and nice. The club teaches kids how to be welcoming to new kids and that made me feel really welcomed even though I was kind of scared at first. I have so many special memories at the club, Christmastime is always the best. The club is like a wonderland for kids with tables covered in mounds of toys. It’s also cool that we have a Santa Claus, it makes it really exciting for the younger kids.
The staff at the club are amazing and will always be there for you. They always find clever ways to entertain us even when it is challenging. The music teacher, Mr. Brandon, is really inspiring, no matter how bad you are, they always encourage you to do better and eventually you do get better. Even the people who work in the offices at the club are really amazing and nice to us.
I would love to continue being a part of the Boys and Girls Club in when I am in middle school and volunteering there when I am in college. The club has been such a big part of my life. Thank you again for this award. It means a lot to me.
This year we had the privilege of recognizing 11 of our outstanding Club members. Each Club member was celebrated at a special event with their families and special guests from Vista Unified School District, the County of San Diego, and the City of Vista.
2023 Youth of the Year Celebration Learn More Here
Dan Villaseñor to Be Celebrated at Boys and Girls Club Diamond Gala
Join us at our 13th annual Diamond Gala as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista and honor one of our first Club members, longtime supporter and Board Member, Dan Villaseñor. We will be celebrating in classic style with live & silent auctions, wine wall, brand new beer wall featuring local breweries, casino games, & live entertainment. All participation in this event directly benefits over 1,200 youth in our community who come to the Boys & Girls Club of Vista for safe and impactful experiences.
