Peter Crawford and 2011 Youth of the Year Finalists
Charles Schwab is the presenting sponsor of our Fourth Annual Youth of the Year Luncheon on February 7th at the Westin St. Francis Hotel.
We recently spoke with Peter Crawford, Senior Vice President – Asset Management Client Solutions at Charles Schwab and BGCSF Board Member, to learn more about his involvement with the Youth of the Year program and why it’s been so memorable.
BGCSF: Why is Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s Youth of the Year program an important investment for Charles Schwab?
Peter: Investing in the future of our youth and communities is important to Schwab. Supporting programs like Youth of the Year ensures we provide Club members resources and opportunities in a safe environment. It is an honor and privilege for Schwab to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals, and support Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s efforts in making a profound difference in their lives. Through our partnership, particularly with our teen financial literacy program, Money Matters Make It Count, we hope to inspire Schwab employees, and the community, to get involved in supporting youth.
BGCSF: As a former Youth of the Year Judge, what qualities does the judging panel look for in the Citywide Youth of the Year winner?
Peter: I can tell you that it is very hard to choose a winner. In my experience, all the candidates were remarkable individuals. I would buy stock in any of them!
In trying to select the “best of the best,” I was focused on three things. First, we look for someone who has the “total package;” they’re succeeding academically, they’re succeeding in other areas (sports, art, etc.), they are active in giving back to their community, and they’ve demonstrated the leadership needed for future success. Second, we look for someone who has overcome obstacles to achieve this level of success. And third, we want someone who has presence and energy, someone who will represent the Club well, hopefully all the way to the national competition in Washington, DC.
Peter Crawford adressing Youth of the Year Luncheon attendees
BGCSF: What has been the most memorable part of your involvement with the Youth of the Year program?
Peter: It was my first experience with Youth of the Year. I remember exactly where I was when I first started reading the applications. I was not yet a member of the Board, and I did not know a lot about the organization. But I was in a car when I starting reading the stories. I read about some remarkable kids, and I read about what a difference Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco made in their lives. That is when I decided I wanted to get more involved in the organization. And it’s why I agreed to co-chair the lunch for the past two years. And that itself has been very rewarding!
Youth of the Year Program Overview
Youth of the Year celebrates the remarkable lives of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco members who have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances. Each of our nine Clubhouses and Camp Mendocino chose a teen representative as their nominee for Youth of the Year based on their Club involvement, service to their community, commitment to education and modeling of positive behaviors for younger Club members.
After a four-month leadership development program, a panel of judges will evaluate each nominee on their written and speaking skills, and conduct in-person interviews with each candidate. At the luncheon attendees will hear all the youth’s inspiring stories, but only one will be named the 2012 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year.
