About the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration
The 15th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration is an inspiring event where more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters will join to celebrate the achievements of our Youth of the Year finalists.
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.
Join us for the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration!
February 9, 2023
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 2023 Youth of the Year
Ariana
Camp Mendocino
Hi, I’m Ariana (she/they)! I am a senior at Oakland High School and I have been going to Camp for six years. I am proud to be this year’s Camp Mendocino Youth of the Year. During this time, I have participated in programs such as Counselors in Training (CIT), Working Camper, shadowing Ropes, and the “C” program. When I am not at Camp, I spend my time playing volleyball on my school’s varsity volleyball team and running my own bakery business. My goal for the future is to major in psychology at a 4-year university to become a Child and Adolescent Therapist.
Brianna
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Brianna Hernandez (she/her)! I’m a senior at Mission High School. I’ve attended the Columbia Park Clubhouse for 7 years. At the Club I've been in the Leaders In Training program, and Keystone. At school I have been part of the EMS/Fire Science Pathway for 2 years, and part of Mycellium Youth Leadership Council (MYLC) which brings the community together and finds solutions for economic challenges. In the future I plan to go to a four-year university and major in Environmental Sciences, so I can further help my community with constant environmental injustices. One fun fact about me is that I love working on social campaigns to bring our community together.
Angel
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi my name is Angel (he/him)! I am a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member of Don Fisher Clubhouse for over 10 years. During my years at the club I participated in programs such as Learn to Swim, Torch Club, Teen Staff, and am a swim coach at my Club. Outside of the Club, I am Co-President of the Medical Club, a Safe Student Ambassador, and am Secretary of the Student Council. After high school I hope to attend a 4-year university to pursue my passion for medicine by majoring in biology. A fun fact about me is that I am deeply interested in photography and cinematography.
Krisabelle
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
Hi my name is Krisabelle (she/her)! I am a Senior at Lowell High School and have been a member of the Excelsior Clubhouse for 11 years. During my time at the club, I have participated in Torch Club, Keystone, LIT, Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program, the Pride and Identity Fellowship, and MLK Day Volunteering. At my high school, I participate in Lowell’s peer mentorship program. After graduating from high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university majoring in Physiology and later attend medical school. A fun fact about me is I want to become an OBGYN serving low-income communities and communities of color.
Thailyah
Gateway High School Club
Hi, I’m Thailyah (she/her)! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member at the Gateway High School Club for four years. In my time at the Club I’ve participated in the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program and San Francisco Youth Works. At school, I am the Co-President for Black Student Union, a School Safety Ambassador, and a member of the Student Council. After high school, I hope to attend a 4-year university and become a Physician Associate. A fun fact about me is that I know how to do sign language!
Aalayah
Sunnydale CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Aalayah (she/her)! I am a senior at City Arts and Leadership Academy and have been a member at the Sunnydale Clubhouse for 11 years. In my time at the Club, I participated in Torch Club, Keystone, Club Leaders in Training, and Teen Advocacy Group. I want to represent my Club because I feel like my neighborhood isn't represented enough compared to the other districts in San Francisco. I want to become Youth of the Year to put my neighborhood on the map. After I graduate, I’m interested in becoming a nurse so I can help others. A fun fact about me is that I am a fashion/stylist designer.
Jessica
Tenderloin Clubhouse
Hi, my name is Jessica (she/her)! I am a Senior at Sacred Heart Prep and have been a member of the Tenderloin Clubhouse for 12 years. Some programs and activities I have done at the Club include the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program and Keystone Club. One of my big long-term goals is to be a pediatrician, helping people the best I can. A fun fact about me is that I don’t like bananas.
Elena
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hi, my name is Elena Gutierrez (she/they)! I am a senior at Philip and Sala Burton and I’ve been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for 11 years. Since joining the Club, I’ve been able to participate in multiple programs designed to enhance my leadership qualities and make impactful changes in my community. These programs include the President’s Advisory Council, Teen Advocacy Group and our Club’s Keystone program. It is my dream to pursue a career in Environmental Science. A fun fact about me is I enjoy connecting with and exploring various arts and cultures around the world.
Nylah
Willie Mays CLUBHOUSE at hunters point
Hi, I’m Nylah (she/her)! I am currently a senior attending San Francisco KIPP College Preparatory and have been an active member at the Willie Mays Clubhouse at Hunters Point for 10+ years. I am proud to be representing my Club because I have been a dedicated member. During my time at the Club, I have participated in programs such as Leaders in Training (L.I.T), Gardening, Keystone, and College Prep Workshops. In my free time, I play sports at school (basketball/volleyball, etc.), attend Dual Enrollment courses for early college credits and do community service activities. My goal after graduating high school is to major in Sociology and support my community by helping people to create cleaner lifestyles.
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
Sanjay Banker, Orpheus Crutchfield, Elena Gomez, Gina Lytle
EVENT HOST COMMITTEE
Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsors!
For more sponsorship information contact Jamin McVeigh, Vice President of Development atjmcveigh@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
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.
