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
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 2026 Youth of the Year
E’vangela "Evie"
Camp Mendocino
Hi, my name is E’vangela (she/her), and I am a senior at El Cerrito High School. I’ve been going to Camp Mendocino for nine years. I have been a camper, a working camper, a Leader-in-Training (LIT), a Career-in-Training (CIT), and a part of Camp2College. At school, I am a part of the Black Student Union (BSU) and have been a member of many different groups/clubs provided through my school's James Morehouse Project, which works to create positive changes in the El Cerrito High School community through health services, counseling, academic support, and the arts. My plan for the future is to become a child and family social worker, where I can continue my passion to work with kids. Fun fact: I love the movie Rio and will never get tired of it!
Helen
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hello, my name is Helen. My pronouns are she/her. I am a senior at Lowell High School, and I have been a member of the Columbia Park Clubhouse for six years. I have been a part of several programs at my Clubhouse, like Torch Club, Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), Leaders-in-Training (LIT), Money Matters, Keystone, and I advocated for a Volleyball Program at my Clubhouse. At school, I am Vice President of our Women's Minority Student Union, head captain of the cheerleading team, and a volunteer at an elderly center. My plan for the future is to attend a four-year university for Political Science. Fun fact: I broke my tooth.
Nayely
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Nayely (she/her)! I’m a senior at Galileo Academy of Science & Technology and have been a member of the Don Fisher Clubhouse for three years. At the Club, I’ve been actively involved in Keystone, where I’ve helped with fundraising projects and community events, and I’ve also participated in tutoring programs that supported both my academic goals and achievements. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in nursing, where I can continue helping others and making a positive impact in my community. Fun fact: Stitch from the movie Lilo and Stitch and I have the same personality! He reminds me to stay crazy, fun, positive, and quirky–even when I’m going through tough times.
Carol
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
Hello! My name is Carol (she/her), and I am a senior in the Law Academy Pathway at Balboa High School. I’ve been an Excelsior Clubhouse member for seven years, and I like to involve myself in a multitude of activities: Torch Club, Keystone, College Prep, and as an intern through the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP). At school, I am the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Battalion Commander and Prom Committee Treasurer. I aspire to attend a four-year university, major in business, and minor in sociology to learn how I can plan events to foster community and challenge the status quo. Fun fact: I love sashimi!
Diego "Diggy"
Gateway High School Club
Hi everyone, my name is Diego, but you can call me Diggy. I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been part of the Club for six years. I’ve done many things with the Club, from attending the Study Café to Project Week adventures at the zoo and Exploratorium. I play baseball and basketball, am in the college track program, and got inspired by an HBCU field trip and other college tours to explore furthering my education. My goal is to study nursing or physiology to become a NICU nurse, counselor, or case manager. Fun fact: I never lose at bowling.
Julian
MISSION Clubhouse
Hi! My name is Julian, my pronouns are He/Him, and I am a senior at Mission High School. I’ve been a Mission Clubhouse member for 13 years. I’ve been in multiple programs at the Clubhouse, including Keystone, Torch Club, Photography Club, Reading Program, Teen Nights, and Leaders-in-Training (LIT). At school, I am a member of the Book Club and Art Club. Outside of school, I volunteer with District 9’s Youth Council. My plan for the future is to attend a four-year university and major in Latino History. During my time there, I hope to develop a community for all to feel welcomed., Fun fact: I am Batman (JK, just a fan).
Jordin
The springer clubhouse in sunnydale
Hi, my name is Jordin (he/him), and I am a senior at City Arts and Leadership High School. I've been a member of the Springer Clubhouse in Sunnydale for 11 years. During that time, I've been able to participate in a wide variety of programs and activities like Torch Club, Keystone, Teen Advocacy Group (TAG), Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP), and Camp Mendocino. At school, I am a member of BSU (Black Student Union) and I participate in the Yearbook Club as the Chief Writing Editor. My plan for the future is to attend a four-year university to major in psychology and find a job that I love upon graduating. A fun fact about me is that I'm really passionate about dance and competed in dance competitions around the country.
Maysa
Tenderloin CLUBHOUSE
Hello! My name is Maysa (she/her), and I am a senior attending Gateway High School. I have been a member at the Tenderloin Clubhouse for 12 years. Throughout my years at the Club, I have participated in a lot of art activities, Keystone, and teen internships. At school, one of the clubs I participated in is the Middle Eastern North African Club. I also helped create one of our yearbooks. My future goal is to make sure I balance school and life, including making time to travel. A fun fact about me is that I have an obsession with fish that began during my trip to Portugal!
Daphne
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
I'm Daphne (She/Her). I am a senior at Phillip and Sala Burton Academic High School and have been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for over 11 years. I’ve cultivated strong leadership skills through key Club programs like Torch Club, STEM Institute, Opportunities for All (OFA), and Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP). My dedication to advocacy is demonstrated by my participation in the Teen Advocacy Group (TAG), Days of Advocacy, and All Children Thrive (ACT). At school, I am the Band President for my marching and concert band, perform in the jazz band, serve as Treasurer of the Literature Club, and am an active ASB member. I plan to use these diverse experiences to succeed at a four-year college and pursue my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
Khali
The willie mays CLUBHOUSE at hunters point
Hello! My name is Khali (She/Her). I am a senior at Gateway High School. I have been attending Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco for many years, but specifically the Willie Mays Clubhouse at Hunters Point for four years. I’ve participated in many activities, including revamping gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, and sports. I am the President of the Class of 2026 at Gateway, where I also play volleyball, soccer, basketball at school, and lacrosse. My dream is to become an Athletic Trainer/Director or Physical Therapist, so my goal is to study Kinesiology. Fun Fact: I have two small dogs named Kobe and Shaq.
Meet the 2027 Youth of the Year
Aaliyah
Camp Mendocino
Hi, my name is Aaliyah (She/Her), I’m a senior at Acalanes High School, and I have been part of Camp Mendocino for 10 years. As a Leader-in-Training, I assisted with archery and bikes. As a Counselor-in-Training, I focused on child development while shadowing the medical center. I also participate in the Camp2College program and volunteer at the annual Guardsmen’s Christmas Tree Event, while interning at a children’s hospital, volunteering with a family community service nonprofit, and cheering on my school’s cheer team. I plan to attend a four-year university studying child development to become a child life specialist. A fun fact about me is that I love being outdoors and hiking.
Uriel
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, my name is Uriel (He/Him). I am a senior at Mission High School and I have been a member of Columbia Park Clubhouse for almost two years. I have participated in many programs at the Club, such as Days of Advocacy, the Leadership-in-Training program, and College Prep. I like to play baseball at school and in my free time. After graduating high school, I plan to go to a four-year college or trade school to become an HVAC technician.
Hezzakiya
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi, my name is Hezzakiya (She/Her) and I am a senior at Lincoln High School. I have been coming to Don Fisher since I was in elementary school and it has been like a home to me. I have participated in many programs, and my favorite is the Leadership-in-Training program, both at the Clubhouse and at Camp. Working at Camp really helped me develop my youth leadership skills and I am able to apply them at the Clubhouse as well. I love to dance and this year, I joined the cheer team at my high school! After high school, I plan to attend City College and transfer to an HBCU. I hope to become an ultrasound technician and support people through reproductive health care.
Anson
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I'm Anson (He/Him). I am a senior at George Washington High School and I have been a member of the Excelsior Clubhouse for 11 years. At my Clubhouse, I've participated in Torch Club, Leaders-in-Training, Keystone, Cooking for Life, College Prep, College Tour, Days of Advocacy, and Camp. At my high school, I also lead a robotics team. In the future I plan on attending college for engineering and my goal is to be skilled in a lot of different fields. A fun fact about me is I have many different hobbies and love to learn new things.
Yaretzi
Gateway High School Club
Hello my name is Yaretzi (She/Her), and I am a junior at Gateway High School. I have been a part of the Club for three years and my favorite experiences have been College Prep, going on college tours, and Camp Mendocino. At Gateway High School, I have participated in Yearbook and Biology Embedded Honors. My plan for the future is to go to a four-year university and major in Marine Biology. A fun fact about me is I have almost one thousand photos of my dog.
Nathalie
MISSION Clubhouse
Hi, my name is Nathalie! I am a senior at ICA Cristo Rey Academy and have been a member of the Mission Clubhouse for six years. In my time at the Club, I participated in Torch Club, Keystone, the Leadership-in-Training program, Cooking for Life, and emceed at the Youth of the Year ceremony. I have also been involved in the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program. At school, I am in the Corporate Workstudy Program, where I get a full day of career experience each week. After I graduate, I plan to attend a four-year university to study Veterinary Sciences to become a vet. My fun fact is that I love singing, playing guitar, ceramics, and embroidery.
Goldy
The springer clubhouse in sunnydale
Hi everyone, my name is Goldy (She/Her). I am a senior at Lowell High School and have been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs for nine years, during which I participated in Teen Advocacy Group, Days of Advocacy, City Hall Day, Torch Club, Leadership-in-Training, as well as Opportunities for All and the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program. Outside of the Club, I have been a member of the South Asian Club, Youth are Aware, Active, & Supportive Program, and sports such as wrestling, flag football, track and field, and fencing. I plan to attend a four-year-university to get my BS in business administration and travel the world. A fun fact about me is I am double jointed.
Adam
Tenderloin CLUBHOUSE
Hello my name is Adam (He/Him), and I am a senior at Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High School. I go to the Tenderloin Clubhouse, where I have been a member for nine years. I have been part of Torch Club, Keystone, Art, Junior Giants, Cooking for Life, Leadership-in-Training, and the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program. My plan for the future is to become a successful chef and to hopefully work up to a Michelin-starred kitchen, work and cook for sports teams, and make seven figures. A fun fact about me is that I am trilingual. I can speak three languages somewhat proficiently: Spanish, Arabic (Moroccan Darija), and English.
Daphne
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
I'm Daphne (She/Her). I am a senior at Phillip and Sala Burton Academic High School and have been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for over 11 years. I’ve cultivated strong leadership skills through key Club programs like Torch Club, STEM Institute, Opportunities for All (OFA), and Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP). My dedication to advocacy is demonstrated by my participation in the Teen Advocacy Group (TAG), Days of Advocacy, and All Children Thrive (ACT). At school, I am the Band President for my marching and concert band, perform in the jazz band, serve as Treasurer of the Literature Club, and am an active ASB member. I plan to use these diverse experiences to succeed at a four-year college and pursue my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
Abner
The willie mays CLUBHOUSE at hunters point
My name is Abner (He/Him), and I am a senior at KIPP who wants to make my family proud and build a successful future. As a basketball player and leader, I have learned the importance of teamwork, staying disciplined, and pushing through challenges even when things get tough. I have been part of the Willie Mays Clubhouse for years, where I have learned about financial literacy and the importance of making smart decisions with money. These experiences have motivated me to learn more about business and create opportunities for myself. I believe in staying humble, helping others, and learning from every experience as I work toward my goals.
About the Youth of the Year Program
Youth of the Year is a leadership development program that celebrates Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco members for the leadership, resilience, and character they bring to everything they do. Finalists are chosen by their Clubhouse, School-Based Club, or Camp Mendocino and recognized for their Club tenure, academic achievement, and perseverance, often in the face of real challenges. Every nominee receives a college scholarship.
On Selection Night, the Selection Committee chooses the Citywide Youth of the Year after reviewing each nominee’s academic performance, personal statement, and two references, along with their public speaking and a one-on-one interview. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year, receiving a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to the Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
On Selection Night, the Selection Committee chooses the Citywide Youth of the Year after reviewing each nominee’s academic performance, personal statement, and two references, along with their public speaking and a one-on-one interview. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year, receiving a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to the Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Co-Chairs: Heather Childs, Elena Gomez, Mike Kitts, and Eli Weiss
Committee: Will Bartlett, Maria Bolin, Peter Crawford, Orpheus Crutchfield, Mindy Henderson, Jennifer Kiss, Melissa Kremers, Chris Roeder, Greg Suhr, and Sheila Williams
become a sponsor!
For more sponsorship information contact Jennifer Snyder, Director of Development at jsnyder@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 2025, 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 2025, 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.
