Congratulations, Paulina!
On Thursday, February 17th, our 2022 Citywide Youth of the Year, Paulina, was named the 2019-20 National Youth of the Year. All of us at BGCSF are proud of Sabrina's accomplishments, and wish her luck as she serves as an ambassador for the 4.7 million Boys & Girls Clubs members across the country. For a recap on how Sabrina became BGCSF's Citywide Youth of the Year, read our coverage of the 11th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon.
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Congratulations Paulina!
On Thursday, February 17th, Tenderloin Clubhouse member, Paulina C. was named Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s 2022 Citywide Youth of the Year. As the Citywide Youth of the Year, Paulina will receive a college scholarship worth $10,000 and will advance to compete in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
Paulina is a 11-year member of BGCSF who credits supportive and caring staff, and their involvement with teen leadership programs, the visual arts, and Camp Mendocino as key aspects of their fulfilling Club experience. An outstanding academic student, Paulina intends to graduate from high school this spring and will attend Colgate College on a four year scholarship in the fall.
Each year, we are inspired by the resilience, courage, hope, and talent of our Youth of the Year. We are tremendously thankful for such strong support! Our 2022 Youth of the Year finalists have shown an incredible drive to succeed, dedication to their community, and passion for their Clubhouse or Camp. We are proud to see the perseverance, strength, determination, and confidence that each finalist has displayed during their four-month journey.
In case you missed the event, or if you want to watch it again, you can access the event recording.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Paulina is a 11-year member of BGCSF who credits supportive and caring staff, and their involvement with teen leadership programs, the visual arts, and Camp Mendocino as key aspects of their fulfilling Club experience. An outstanding academic student, Paulina intends to graduate from high school this spring and will attend Colgate College on a four year scholarship in the fall.
Each year, we are inspired by the resilience, courage, hope, and talent of our Youth of the Year. We are tremendously thankful for such strong support! Our 2022 Youth of the Year finalists have shown an incredible drive to succeed, dedication to their community, and passion for their Clubhouse or Camp. We are proud to see the perseverance, strength, determination, and confidence that each finalist has displayed during their four-month journey.
In case you missed the event, or if you want to watch it again, you can access the event recording.
Youth of the Year
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February 7, 2024
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Chase Center
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Chase Center
Meet the 2020 Youth of the Year
Kionna
Sunnydale CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Kionna! I’m a senior at Leadership High School. I’ve been a Club member at the Sunnydale Clubhouse for eleven years. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Club LIT, and Camp Mendocino. BGCSF opened doors for me to take part in the My Brother and Sister’s Keeper Youth Council, Mercy Housing Youth Leadership Initiative, and DCYF University. My future goal is to be an advocate and give back to my community.
Adriano
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Adriano! I’m a senior at Galileo High School and have been a member at Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for two years. In my time at Vis Valley, I’ve participated in the Teen Staff program as well as BGCSF’s Career Exposure events. After graduation, I plan to attend UC Berkeley and work towards a degree in Engineering/Computer Science. Membership at BGCSF gave me opportunities like Tinkering with Exploratorium, which helped me explore my love of science, and Homework Club, which helped keep my grades up. My future goal is to continue my education and drive my methods of teaching.
David
EXCELSIOR CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m David! I'm a proud first generation Latino American, and a senior at Leadership High School. I've been a member at Excelsior Clubhouse for four years. In that time, I’ve participated in Keystone Club, Money Matters, President’s Advisory Council, and Citywide Planning Committee. After graduation, I want to attend Columbia University to study Political Science or Criminal Justice so I can become an Immigration Lawyer. The most impactful programs I’ve participated in at BGCSF are Keystone Club and the Citywide Planning Committee for the National Keystone Project: Bridging the Divide Between Youth and Law Enforcement.
Erica
Willie Mays CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Erica! I am a senior at Leadership High School and have been a member of the Willie Mays Clubhouse for 12 years. BGCSF’s College Prep program was really helpful for me, and Career Exposure events gave me an idea of what I want to do in life. After high school, I want to attend a historically black college and become a counselor. I look forward to discovering who I am and eventually helping others do the same.
Kenny
Tenderloin Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Kenny! I’m a senior at George Washington High School and have been a member at Tenderloin Clubhouse for nine years. In that time I’ve participated in Torch Club, Keystone Club, Money Matters, and Club LIT. I’ve really enjoyed being a Club LIT. Through that program, I’ve developed some great leadership skills. After graduation, I plan to attend University of Oregon and become a Sport Agent.
Masiyah
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Masiyah! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member at the Columbia Park and Willie Mays Clubhouses for ten years. In my time at Columbia Park, I’ve participated in Teen Staff and the Mayor’s Youth Education Employment Program. Through BGCSF’s School-Based Club at Gateway High, I was connected to opportunities at my school like the Gateway Internship Program and Business Pathways. After graduation, I want to attend Howard University and become a Web Developer.
Poppy
CAMP MENDOCINO
Hi, I’m Poppy! I am a senior at Academy of Arts and Science High School, serving on the student council as student body vice president. I’ve been a member at Camp Mendocino for 12 years. I have participated in Torch Club, Keystone Club, Money Matters, Club LIT at the Don Fisher Clubhouse, and Camp LIT at Camp Mendocino. After graduation, I plan to attend UC Santa Cruz to study Political Science and become a Congresswoman.
Terrell
Don fisher Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Terrell! I’m a senior at City Arts and Tech High School, serving as president of the Queer & Straight Alliance Club at my school. I’ve been a BGCSF member for nine years at the Ernest Ingold and Don Fisher Clubhouses. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Club LIT, Basketball League, and Camp Mendocino. After graduation, I want to attend Academy of the Arts and become a Sport Photographer and Wrestling Commentator.
Meet the 2024 Youth of the Year
Lulu (Alyce)
Camp Mendocino
Hello, my name is Alyce (she/her), but most people know me as Lulu. I am a senior at Skyline High School. I have been an active member of Camp Mendocino for ten years and for the past two, I have been a part of the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program. Outside of Camp Mendocino, I am Skyline’s High School's Varsity Cheer Captain and the President of Black Student Union. My future plans are to attend a Historically Black college or university and major in psychology.
Harif
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, I'm Harif (he/him), a senior at Mission High School. For four years, I've been an active member of the Columbia Park Clubhouse, participating in Club Leaders in Training (LIT), College Prep, and volunteering. Beyond the Club, I play school baseball as a second baseman, and I serve as a peer mediator and mentor, helping fellow Mission High School students with conflict resolution. My future plans involve attending a four-year university with a major in Child Development. On a lighter note, I have a passion for baking!
Angel
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Angel (he/him), and I’m a senior at Archbishop Riordan High School. I have been a member of the Don Fisher Clubhouse for nine years. During that time I’ve participated in Club Leaders-in-Training (LIT), Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), Torch Club, Money Matters, and worked as a lifeguard at the Don Fisher Clubhouse. I like to watch baseball when I'm at home, and my favorite team is the Atlanta Braves. I taught myself how to swim when I was four years old by watching the American Olympic Swimming Team compete. In the fall, I plan on attending a four-year university to pursue a career in criminal justice.
Richard
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
My name is Richard (he/him), and I am currently a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School. The Excelsior Clubhouse has been a mainstay in my life, 11 years to be exact. During my years at the Club, I have participated in Torch Club, Keystone, Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), Leaders-in-Training (LIT), Money Matters, and College Prep. After high school, I am interested in pursuing finance in college. A fun fact is I love playing volleyball with my friends.
Yumina
Gateway High School Club
Hi, I’m Yumina (she/her), Gateway High School Club’s Youth of the Year! I am a junior at Gateway High School and have been a member of the Don Fisher Clubhouse for eight years. I have participated in Torch Club, Keystone, Health Initiatives for Youth (HIFY), Club Leaders-in-Training (LIT), Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), and various Performing Arts programs. I am the Vice President of the Black Student Union and former President of the Burl Toler Scholars. I am also an active member of a Climate Change Club. I plan to attend a university to pursue my dream of becoming a licensed therapist. A fun fact about me is I can say the alphabet backward in under five seconds, like my friend and fellow Youth of the Year, Shada.
Diego
Mission CLUBHOUSE
Hi! My name is Diego (he/him), and I am a senior at Lowell High School. I’ve been a Mission Clubhouse member for over ten years. I’ve been in a multitude of programs at the Clubhouse, including Keystone, Torch Club, Competitive Sports, Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), and Leaders-in-Training (LIT) for Camp Mendocino. I also participated in teen nights and even had my artwork displayed at a Gala on behalf of the Club. At school, I am the Vice President of Latinos Unidos and the secretary for BSU. Outside of school, I play club soccer and like to explore the City. My plan for the future is to attend a four-year university and major in sociology, all while playing collegiate-level soccer.
Shakirah
Sunnydale CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Shakirah (she/her)! I’m a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School and have been a member of the Sunnydale Clubhouse for 11 years. In my time at the Club, I have participated in Girl’s Group, Torch Club, Keystone, Teen Advocacy Group (TAG), Mayors Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), and attended Camp Mendocino. After graduating high school, I want to attend college and major in entrepreneurship to start my own business and become a certified lash technician. A fun fact about me is that I am the youngest of seven children.
Shada
Tenderloin Clubhouse
Hi, my name is Shada (she/her). I am a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member of the Tenderloin Clubhouse for ten years. I have participated in Teen Night, Career Exposures, Club Leaders-In-Training (LIT), Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), Money Matters, Visual Arts, Cooking, and several leadership programs like Keystone, Torch Club, and Ambassadors. I plan to attend a four-year college or university. I aspire to work in the medical field in the future, specifically as a nurse. A fun fact about me is that I can recite the alphabet backwards in under five seconds, like my friend and fellow Youth of the Year, Yumina.
Atzin
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hello, I'm Atzin (he/him). I’m a senior at KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory, and I've been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for six years. During my time at the Club, I've participated in the Presidential Advisory Council, Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), and Teen Advocacy Group (TAG). Additionally, I participate in school programs such as student council and as a teacher's assistant in the AP language class. I also help plan large school events like the Bi-Annual Visual and Performance Arts Festival. Once I graduate, I plan to study computer engineering and/or chemistry to help advance the pharmaceutical science field. Some fun facts about me are that my hair reaches 22 inches in length, and I was born an uncle!
About the Youth of the Year Program
Youth of the Year is a five-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, School-Based Club, and Camp Mendocino based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, and perseverance. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college.
Finalists are chosen from their Clubhouse, School-Based Club, and Camp Mendocino based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, and perseverance. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college.
The Citywide Youth of the Year is chosen by the Selection Committee on Selection Night. This process includes evaluating the nominees’ academic performance, personal statements, two references, assessing public speaking skills, and one-on-one interviews with candidates. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year and receives a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to Boys & Girls Clubs’ Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Heather Childs, Chris Clifford, Orpheus Crutchfield, Mike Kitts
EVENT HOST COMMITTEE
Bruce Callander, Peter Crawford, Lucy Carrico, Julie Flynn, Jennifer Kiss, Melissa Kremers, Ellen Parsons, Greg Suhr
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors!
For more sponsorship information contact Jamin Sartor McVeigh, Senior Vice President of Development at jmcveigh@kidsclub.org.
History of the Program
The Timeline
The Youth of the Year take part in a five-month long intense leadership development program that involves public speaking, one-on-one mentorship, essay writing, and team building. 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 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration in February 2023, each youth will tell their story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters during our celebration.
The Citywide Youth of the Year moves on to represent BGCSF in the Northern California Regional competition against other well-accomplished youth in the region. The judging criteria for the event consists of public speaking, performance in a one on one interview, service to the Club, and community and academic achievement.
The Youth of the Year take part in a five-month long intense leadership development program that involves public speaking, one-on-one mentorship, essay writing, and team building. 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 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration in February 2023, each youth will tell their story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters during our celebration.
The Citywide Youth of the Year moves on to represent BGCSF in the Northern California Regional competition against other well-accomplished youth in the region. The judging criteria for the event consists of public speaking, performance in a one on one interview, service to the Club, and community and academic achievement.
The History & Prestige
For nearly 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports. For more information on the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
For nearly 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports. For more information on the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
Support San Francisco's Youth
Tickets for the 2019 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon are now sold out. Those interested in supporting BGCSF may do so by clicking the donate button below.
