Vista, CA- Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership program, distinguishing and celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members who embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. On January 27th, the Boys & Girls Club of Vista (BGCV) gathered at the Vista Civic Center with Club families, local officials & representatives, & various donors to recognize one overall Jr. Youth of the Year along with a youth from each site and our various programs.
The evening was hosted by Judge Michael D. Washington and each of the 11 Club Members receiving an award was introduced by nominating BGCV staff. Club families had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from VUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle & Mayor John Franklin. Supervisor Desmond’s office provided a certificate to each Club Member recognizing their accomplishment. Dinner was provided by Panda Express, beverages from Raising Cane’s, and dessert from Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen.
This year, BGCV honored a Jr. Youth of the Year, 4th grader Olive from Casita Elementary. Olive was recognized for being an inclusive leader. Olive shared,
“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.”
For additional photos and information on each award winner, please visit https://www.bgcvista.org/news/2023-youth-of-the-year-celebration
We had a wonderful time gathering to celebrate some of our brightest stars and we are looking forward to next year! If you are interested in getting more involved with this event, please contact Beth Simon, Event Coordinator at beth@bgcvista.com or (760) 295-4731.
About the Boys and Girls Club of Vista
The Boys & Girls Club of Vista serves over 1,200 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.
