This year’s Youth of the Year, chosen from over 17,000 youth Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco serves.
Brianna Benson, Citywide Youth of the Year Visitacion Valley Clubhouse
Brianna is the Citywide Youth of the Year winner. She is a senior at City Arts and Technology High School. She has been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for the last two years. Her proudest achievement to-date has been reaching her fullest potential and obtaining a 3.53 GPA in school. After she graduates from high school, Brianna plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a perinatal nurse.
Read more about her story and how she won the Youth of the Year competition here.
Iesha Gosman Willie Mays Clubhouse at Hunters Point
Iesha is a sophomore at Saint Ignatius High School. She has been attending the Willie Mays Clubhouse for three years. Iesha’s proudest accomplishment so far has been getting accepted into Saint Ignatius. After she graduates from high school, Iesha wants to attend Duke University to play lacrosse. She also plans to major in sports medicine and later pursue a doctorate degree.
Naim Algaheim Tenderloin Clubhouse
Naim is a junior at George Washington High School. He has been a member of the Tenderloin Clubhouse for eight years. His proudest achievement was being recognized by the SFPD this summer and receiving a special award from his Clubhouse for his service to the Tenderloin community. While in high school, Naim hopes to earn a 4.0 GPA and graduate with honors. Post-graduation, Naim plans to attend a four-year college or university.
Hector Sanchez Excelsior Clubhouse
Hector is a senior at Phillip Sala Burton High School. He has been attending the Excelsior Clubhouse for eight years. His proudest achievement has been obtaining a job at such a young age! Currently, Hector works as Teen Staff at the Club – helping the staff during programs and mentoring younger members. After graduating from high school, Hector is looking to explore vocational training opportunities.
Imani Payton Camp Mendocino
Imani is a senior at Gateway High School. She has been attending Camp Mendocino for four years. Her proudest achievement to-date is being recognized as “Best Leader in Training (LIT),” Camp’s teen staff program. Because Imani excelled as an LIT, she has since been connected to the Camp to College program, Camp Mendocino’s year-round college prep program. After high school, Imani plans to attend Fresno State to study physical therapy.
Mario Barajas Columbia Park Clubhouse
Mario is a senior at Lick-Wilmerding High School. He has been attending the Columbia Park Clubhouse for eight years. Mario’s proudest accomplishments over the years have been being honored as Columbia Park’s Teen Staff of the Year and being elected as President of Latinos Unidos at Lick-Wilmerding High School. After high school, Mario plans to attend a four-year college and study business administration.
Dayra Bañales Mission Clubhouse
Dayra is a junior at Galileo High School. She has been a member of the Mission Clubhouse since summer 2011. Her proudest accomplishment has been staying 100% committed to her after-school activities and home responsibilities while still remaining focused in school. After she graduates from high school, Dayra wants to attend a four-year college and major in Fine Arts/Drama.
Watch the Video! Meet the Finalists
About The Program
The Youth of the Year Program is a three-month long leadership development program that celebrates the remarkable lives of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco members who have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances.
Finalists are chosen from their Clubhouse and Camp Mendocino based on moral character, community involvement, academic achievements, and obstacles that they have overcome.
The Timeline
From October 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013, the finalists were involved in an intense leadership development program that involves public speaking, one-on-one mentorship, essay writing, and team building. And with the help of our caring staff and volunteers, these youth grow and flourish into confident leaders with inspirational visions and goals for their futures.
At the final event on January 31, 2013, each youth told their stories to more than 600 BGCSF friends and supporters.
The winner of BGCSF’s Youth of the Year competition moves on to compete in the Northern California Regional competition against other well-accomplished youth in the region. The judging criterion for the event consists of public speaking, one on one interview, service to Club and community and academic achievement.
The History & Prestige
The Youth of the Year program was founded more then 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation. Since 1947, the National Youth of the Year program has served as the primary vehicle for showcasing the exemplary achievements of Club youth. The Youth of the Year program has afforded hundreds of outstanding Club members an opportunity to meet presidents like Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. In addition, each year’s five regional finalists are honored at a congressional breakfast in Washington D. C.
As the voice for some 3.3 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs, National Youth of the Year winners appear before congressional committees to speak on teen issues, participate in town hall meetings, appear on television and news programs and serve as ambassadors for other youth organizations. In addition to these prestigious duties, former Youth of the Year continue to play active roles in their local Boys & Girls Clubs communities. Previous winners have excelled in every aspect of the private sector, serving as doctors, lawyers, news reporters, Peace Corps volunteers, politicians and civic leaders in their communities.
Thank you Sponsors!
Thank you to all our corporate sponsors for the 2013 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year luncheon!
In addition to Charles Schwab, special recognition goes to our Reception Sponsor, VISA, Inc. and Platinum Sponsor, Sports Basement.
The event was a huge success, with over 600 people in attendance and 36 sponsors. Together, we raised over $450,000 in general support for our programs and services and over $21,000 specifically for our scholarship fund. Best of all, our Youth of the Year finalists had an amazing experience! Check out this video!
Please view the video below that we created to show our appreciation for your support:
2013 Youth of the Year Speeches
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Photos from the Luncheon
Can’t see the pictures? View them on Flickr
