2013 Citywide Youth of the Year winner, Brianna Benson, with Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco president, Rob Connolly.
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco named Brianna Benson as its 2013 Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of Year during the organization’s fifth annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco.
Selected from seven finalists in the program, Brianna Benson earned the award and $10,000 scholarship in recognition of her academic accomplishments, leadership skills, perseverance, moral character, and service to her Boys & Girls Club and community. Over six hundred supporters attended the event that raised over $400,000 to support year-round Club activities.
Brianna has stood strong in the face of adversity.
Abandoned by her biological mother and in and out of homeless shelters, Brianna said that she was looked down upon by her family and felt isolated. She thanks Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco for helping her persevere and get on a path to success.
” Because of the Club, I have the support and encouragement I need to endure any hardships. Because of the Club, I have a family. I am becoming the true epitome of a leader who is destined to transform the lives of younger children by being the role model I had always longed for,” Brianna said in her awards presentation.
Brianna has been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for two years. She has been engaged in many of the academic, art, sports and community service programs the Club has to offer. She also serves as a Teen Staff, getting real-life work experience at the Club. Most notable, Brianna serves as an outstanding role model to the younger girls, helping mediate conversations and planning “girls-only” field trips and activities that promote good character building and self-esteem.
In addition, Brianna is a senior at City Arts & Technology (CAT) High School, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. She is a member of CAT’s leadership council and contributes regularly to creating a positive community within the school – helping organize and plan all-school assemblies, competitions and school spirit events. Brianna is scheduled to graduate in June 2013 with plans to attend Biola University, a private Christian college in Southern California. She wants to pursue her bachelor’s degree in science and become a perinatal nurse.
Brianna will go on to compete against other Boys & Girls Clubs members for the Northern California Youth of the Year title, with hopes of advancing to the statewide and then national competition, which brings with it the chance to meet President Barack Obama.
VIDEO: Program Overview & Alumni Highlights
Visit our Youth of the Year page to watch more videos and meet the other 6 Youth of the Year finalists!
