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
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