Youth of the Year
Celebrating outstanding youth members
Congratulations, Sabrina!
On Wednesday, September 25th, our 2019 Citywide Youth of the Year, Sabrina M., 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 Deejay!
Deejay T. from the Gateway High School Club named the 2021 California Youth of the Year!
On Tuesday, April 13th, Gateway High School Club member Deejay T. was selected as the 2021 California Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Deejay competed with eight other Youth of the Year from across California for the State-wide title. Deejay now advances to compete for the title of Pacific Region Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs on May 12 and will receive additional college scholarships at that level. Five regional winners plus a Military Youth of the Year will continue on to Washington, D.C. in September 2021, to compete for the title of National Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Deejay carries a 4.3 GPA and intends to graduate from high school this spring, with plans to attend a four-year college in the fall to pursue a degree in computer science. He currently holds acceptance letters from nine colleges.
Deejay credits skilled and caring Boys & Girls Club staff, his teachers, and his involvement with the Club as key aspects of his fulfilling Boys & Girls Clubs experience at the Gateway High School Club. Highlights of his time at the Club include: The Burl Toler Scholars, a teen leadership program, career exposure events, a weekend retreat to BGCSF’s Camp Mendocino and of course, the Youth of the Year program.
“Before going to the Club, I was a kid who was scared to take risks or try new opportunities,” said Deejay. “But as I got more into the Club I really learned something valuable in being comfortable with being uncomfortable and taking initiative. Those things are what have helped me get this far now.”
We wish Deejay great success as he moves on to compete in Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Deejay carries a 4.3 GPA and intends to graduate from high school this spring, with plans to attend a four-year college in the fall to pursue a degree in computer science. He currently holds acceptance letters from nine colleges.
Deejay credits skilled and caring Boys & Girls Club staff, his teachers, and his involvement with the Club as key aspects of his fulfilling Boys & Girls Clubs experience at the Gateway High School Club. Highlights of his time at the Club include: The Burl Toler Scholars, a teen leadership program, career exposure events, a weekend retreat to BGCSF’s Camp Mendocino and of course, the Youth of the Year program.
“Before going to the Club, I was a kid who was scared to take risks or try new opportunities,” said Deejay. “But as I got more into the Club I really learned something valuable in being comfortable with being uncomfortable and taking initiative. Those things are what have helped me get this far now.”
We wish Deejay great success as he moves on to compete in Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition.
YOU'RE INVITED!
13th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Virtual Celebration
Thursday, February 4, 2021
5:00-5:30pm
Virtual Reception
Sponsored by BlackRock
5:30-6:30pm
Virtual Program
Join us for this virtual event in celebration and support of our youth!
5:00-5:30pm
Virtual Reception
Sponsored by BlackRock
5:30-6:30pm
Virtual Program
Join us for this virtual event in celebration and support of our youth!
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jamin McVeigh at 415-445-5413 or jmcveigh@kidsclub.org.
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 2022 Youth of the Year
Deani
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Deani! My pronouns are she/her. I’m a junior at Kipp San Francisco College Preparatory and have been a member at Columbia Park Clubhouse for two years. In my time at the Club, I have participated in programs such as Money Matters, Club Leaders in Training, the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program, Keystone Club, and Camp Mendocino. Outside of that, I interned for the San Francisco International Airport. After high school, I aim to attend a four-year college such as Xavier University or Lousiana State University to pursue a degree in nursing or criminal justice. I have run track since I was five, inspired by my mom, dad, and older sister who are all runners. I have never lost a race (except for relays)!
Johnathon
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Johnathon (he/him)! I’m a senior at Cristo Rey De La Salle Eastbay High School and have been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for ten years. I’ve participated in many programs, including Torch Club, Keystone, Money Matters, Club and Camp Leaders in Training, and Camp Mendocino. After high school, I plan on studying at a four-year university such as Howard or Hampton. I hope to pursue a career in psychology, sociology, or social justice. A fun fact about me is I enjoy watching Marvel movies and reading comics in my free time.
Jordan
Gateway High School Club
Hi, I’m Jordan (she/her)! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member at the Gateway High School Club for two years. In my time at the Club I’ve participated in the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program. At school, I am a member of the yearbook club, Black Student Union, and the Co-Coordinator of the Black LGBTQIA+ students club. After high school, I hope to attend Clark Atlanta University and become a lawyer. A fun fact about me is I love watching professional sports!
Kelly
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Kelly (she/her)! I am a senior at Burton High School and have been a member at the Excelsior Clubhouse for 9 years. In my time at the Club, I participated in Torch Club, Keystone, Money Matters, President’s Advisory Council, Club Leaders in Training, and the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program. After I graduate, I’m interested in becoming a veterinarian or youth development worker. My fun fact is that I love cooking, especially for others.
Leonay
Sunnydale CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Leonay (she/her)! I’m a junior at Leadership High School and have been a member at the Sunnydale Clubhouse for 11 years. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Keystone, Money Matters, Club Leaders in Training, the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program, and Camp Mendocino. After graduation, I want to attend Dillard University and become an entrepreneur. A fun fact is I like to do hair in my free time.
Matt
Camp Mendocino
Hi I’m Matt (they/them)! I’m a senior at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. I’ve been going to Camp Mendocino for nine summers. I’ve been a part of the Club since I was 7 at Columbia Park. At Camp, I was an L.I.T and C.I.T. Outside of Camp, I participated in Camp Council and Camp2College. As a student leader and representative withSFUSD’s Queer Trans Advisory Council (QTAC), I led a workshop on “LGBTQ+ Cultural Acceptance” for over 150 of my peers. After graduating, I plan on becoming a paramedic. A fun fact about me is that I have a 9 month old puppy named Chip that I love to death.
Paulina
Tenderloin Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Paulina (they/them)! I’m a senior at Sacred Heart Cathedral High School and have been a member at the Tenderloin Clubhouse for eleven years. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Money Matters, Teen Staff, Club Leaders in Training, the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program, and Camp Mendocino. After graduating, I aim to attend Stanford University and pursue a career in engineering. A fun fact is I sold my first art piece when I was 12 at the Hunters Point Shipyard.
Xavier
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Xavier (he/him)! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member at the Don Fisher Clubhouse for five years. At the Club, I’ve been part of Keystone Club, President’s Advisory Council, Teen Staff, and Club Leaders in Training. After graduation, I want to have a career within politics, communications, or business. A fun fact is I love manga and anime and my current favorite is Baki Hanma.
About the Youth of the Year Program
Youth of the Year is a four-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.
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.
About the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Virtual Celebration
The 13th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration is an inspiring event where more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters will join virtually to celebrate the achievements of our Youth of the Year finalists and hear each one tell their story.
The Citywide Youth of the Year is selected by an esteemed panel of judges at the conclusion of a four-month leadership development program for the nominees. The judging 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.
The Citywide Youth of the Year is selected by an esteemed panel of judges at the conclusion of a four-month leadership development program for the nominees. The judging 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.
Thank You to Our 2021 Sponsors!
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Director of Development, Jamin McVeigh at jmcveigh@kidsclub.org.
Presenting Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Thank You to Our 2020 Sponsors!
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Director of Development, Jamin McVeigh at jmcveigh@kidsclub.org.
Presenting Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
History of the Program
The Timeline
From October to January, the Youth of the Year take part in an 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 Virtual Celebration in February 2021, each youth will tell their story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters during our virtual 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.
From October to January, the Youth of the Year take part in an 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 Virtual Celebration in February 2021, each youth will tell their story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters during our virtual 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.
