Youth of the Year
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 Kionna!
Kionna F., 2020 Citywide Youth of the Year, represents BGCSF in California Youth of the Year competition
On Wednesday, April 22nd, 11-year Sunnydale Clubouse member Kionna F. competed in Boys & Girls Clubs of America's California Youth of the Year competition. Having been selected as one of three finalists in a field of over 20 Youth of the Year during the Northern California Youth of the Year competition on March 13th, Kionna advanced to the California Youth of the Year finals along with eight other youth from across the state.
We are so proud of Kionna and the other finalists who competed virtually in the event by delivering their speeches and being interviewed by a panel of judges. It was inspiring to see the youth display their resilience by energetically participating from their homes and Clubs and staying positive about the journey ahead.
For a glimpse into Kionna's journey, check out our photos from the 12th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon.
We are so proud of Kionna and the other finalists who competed virtually in the event by delivering their speeches and being interviewed by a panel of judges. It was inspiring to see the youth display their resilience by energetically participating from their homes and Clubs and staying positive about the journey ahead.
For a glimpse into Kionna's journey, check out our photos from the 12th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon.
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.
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 Club site and Camp Mendocino based on moral character, community involvement, academic achievements, and obstacles that they have overcome.
Finalists are chosen from their Club site and Camp Mendocino based on moral character, community involvement, academic achievements, and obstacles that they have overcome.
About the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon
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 Clubhouse, and Camp Mendocino, choose a teen as their Youth of the Year nominee based on their active involvement in their Clubhouse or Camp, service to their community, commitment to education and modeling of healthy behaviors for younger Club members.
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, twelve references, assessing public speaking skills, and one-on-one interviews with candidate. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year, and he or she receives a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to Boys & Girls Clubs’ 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, twelve references, assessing public speaking skills, and one-on-one interviews with candidate. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year, and he or she receives a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to Boys & Girls Clubs’ California Youth of the Year competition.
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 Luncheon in February 2020, each youth will tell his or her story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters at The Marriott Marquis.
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 Luncheon in February 2020, each youth will tell his or her story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters at The Marriott Marquis.
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.
