(Vista, CA–) 25 Club members were honored at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s annual Youth of the Year celebration January 30, 2020. During this event, Jimena Villalobos, a 16 year old junior at Guajome Park Academy, was named the 2019 Youth of the Year. This award is based on youth contributions to their Club, school, community, and family as well as for academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership and obstacles overcome. Villalobos is actively involved in volunteering at the Club as a Leader in Training where she mentors Club members and shares her passion for dance. Jimena is also a volunteer at the Vista Public Library, an intern at the Moonlight Youth Theater, and is Vice President of her Class and Key Club Vice President at school. The Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s Foundation Trustees will present Jimena with a $2,500 scholarship at the Club’s Diamond Gala on March 7th at the Westin Carlsbad.
Matt Koumaras, CEO, opened the evening the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs and thanking the evening’s sponsors Raising Cane’s, Peppertree Frosty and Costco. Keynote speaker Kiki Bispo, the Family Engagement Network Lead for the Vista Unified School District, congratulated the kids and encouraged them to discover their passions and follow it during college and career. Assembly Member Tasha Boerner Horvath presented the Youth of the Year Award and a certificate of recognition from the California State Assembly to Jimena. Deputy Mayor Amanda Rigby and Councilmember Corinna Contreras presented Jimena with a letter of appreciation from the City of Vista.
This event recognizes youth of all ages who have shown outstanding achievement, leadership or citizenship while participating in Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s programs and activities. Other award winners included:
Ophelia Lin, Social Recreation
Adiel Martinez, Technology
Sophia Reyes, Arts & Crafts
Mireya Gonzalez, Education
Grace Taylor, Music
Heron Resendiz, Athletics
Sophia Alvarez, K Club
Shyah Montecinos, Poet
Katara Eubanks, Smart Girls
Alexia Moreno, Reader
Kannon Cole & Saul Bocanegra, Career Launch
Ciarra Salinas, Madison Scholar
Litzy Perez Cruz, Madison Athlete
Monica Borjas, Madison Youth of the Year
Brianna Boe, Vista Magnet Scholar
George Torres, Vista Magnet Athlete
Maile Lamaku, Vista Magnet Youth of the Year
Maria Valentin, Raintree Park Scholar
Emanuel Yanez, Raintree Park Athlete
Reynaldo Juarez, Raintree Park Youth of the Year
Mackenzie Moreno, Cali Volleyball Mvp
Shay Todd & Ciarra Salinas, Middle School Athletes
“The Youth of the Year award competition is important to our members, because it helps keep them centered, focused and motivated as they grow and discover their individual passions and talents.” said Raul Castillo, Director of Operations/Programs, “It gives them the opportunity to become leaders and gain a sense of pride and confidence in themselves.”
About the Boys and Girls Club of Vista
The Boys & Girls Club of Vista serves over 3,300 youth ages 5-18 annually and provides outcome-driven programs that emphasize academic success, character & leadership development, and healthy lifestyles in order to prepare them for Great Futures. Our mission is to empower every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences to graduate high school with a plan for college and career, contribute to their community, and live a healthy life. To help our Club Members succeed; it takes caring mentors such as our trained Club staff. It takes safe places like our program sites, and innovative quality programs designed to empower youth to excel in school and lead healthy lives. Our goal at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista is to provide these opportunities for the youth in the community who need us the most.For more information, please visit http://www.bgcvista.org
