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. To stay informed on Deejay's journey, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and use the hashtag #YOY2021.
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. To stay informed on Deejay's journey, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and use the hashtag #YOY2021.
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 2021 Youth of the Year
Kevin
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Kevin! I am a senior at Philip and Sala Burton High School. I’ve been a member at the Excelsior Clubhouse for seven years. In my time at the Clubhouse, I participated in Torch Club, Keystone Club, Teen Staff, Club LIT, and MYEEP. My biggest passion is soccer, which I’ve been playing since second grade. I am interested in attending a two-year college, and I want to focus on athletics.
Anta
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Anta! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member at the Don Fisher Clubhouse for five years. I’ve participated in Keystone Club, Money Matters, President’s Advisory Council (PAC), Club and Camp LIT, Camp Council, and Camp2College. After high school, I hope to attend a UC or school on the east coast and study Environmental Science and Sustainability.
Aaliyah
Sunnydale CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Aaliyah! I’m a senior at Leadership High School. I’ve been a BGCSF member for nine years at the Sunnydale Clubhouse. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Keystone Club, MYEEP, and Camp Mendocino. After graduation, I want to study Social Work or Criminal Justice at a four-year college.
Nick
Mission CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Nick! I’m a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School and have been a member of the Mission Clubhouse for ten years. I’ve participated in many programs, including Torch Club, Keystone Club, Money Matters, Club and Camp LIT, and Camp Council. After high school, I plan on attending SF State to explore what I am interested in.
Melissa
Camp Mendocino
Hi, I’m Melissa! I’m a senior at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology and have been a member at Camp Mendocino for five years and the Excelsior Clubhouse for nine years. I’ve been part of the Student Council and Environmental Club at school. At the Club, I’ve been part of Camp Council, Camp 2 College, and Keystone Club. Upon graduation, I want to become a youth developer and carry on the youth movement.
Kiara
Willie Mays Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Kiara! I’m a senior at John O’Connell High School. I have been a member of the Willie Mays Clubhouse for eight years. I’ve been part of Torch Club, Keystone Club, Money Matters, Club LIT, and a camper at Camp Mendocino. After graduating, I hope to attend Georgia State University to study Business.
Jennifer
Tenderloin Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Jennifer! I’m currently a junior at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology. This is my sixth year as a member at the Tenderloin Clubhouse. In my time at the Club, I have participated in programs such as Money Matters, Club LIT, MYEEP, and Keystone Club. In my free time, I like to learn foreign languages, like Korean. After high school, I intend on studying at UC San Diego, majoring in business.
Deejay
Gateway High School Club
Hi, I’m Deejay! I’m a senior at Gateway High School. I’ve been a Club member at the Gateway High School Club for three years. In that time, I’ve participated in Keystone Club and MYEEP. After graduating, I’m interested in studying computer science at an out-of-state university. I’ll be the first in my family to graduate from college!
Diego
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Diego! I’m a senior at Archbishop Riordan High School and a proud ten-year member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse. In my time at the Club, I have been a part of MYEEP and a camper at Camp Mendocino. I also play five different instruments: charango, ukulele, guitar, jembe, and drum set! After graduating, I hope to attend the University of San Francisco and study nursing.
Wendy
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a senior at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology and have been a member for eleven years, first at the Mission Clubhouse and now at the Columbia Park Clubhouse. In that time, I’ve participated in Keystone Club, Club LIT, and MYEEP. After graduation, I want to attend San Francisco State University.
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.
