From BGCSF President Rob Connolly:

I am so pleased to announce that our San Francisco Youth of the Year, Sabrina, has been chosen as the National Youth of the Year!

Sabrina’s story of courage, hard work, commitment to the Club, and determination to achieve and succeed make her the perfect National Youth of the Year. Sabrina committed to the Club as a six-year-old and, in turn, the Club committed to her for the next 12 years. Every day after school and all summer long, the Club provided Sabrina with important programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and community engagement, and job readiness with earning potential. By relying on her family and the skilled and caring staff at the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse and at Camp Mendocino, Sabrina overcame significant obstacles in her life to become the outstanding young woman that she is today. More valuable than anything else, the Club made sure—every day—that Sabrina felt heard, valued, loved and understood.

Each year, thousands of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs across the country vie for the title of Youth of the Year—starting with their own Clubhouse. The Youth of the Year program provides a platform for youth to find and tell their stories. In doing so, they develop strong leadership skills and confidence. The Youth of the Year program opens our eyes to the challenges that far too many young people face.

As the National Youth of the Year, Sabrina will share her values with the rest of the nation while serving as an ambassador for all Boys & Girls Club members. We’re confident that her year-long experience as National Youth of the Year will complement and strengthen her experience as a freshman at Barnard College in New York City.

I know I speak for everyone in the BGCSF family—our staff, Club members, parents, Board of Governors and Trustees, donors, and volunteers—when I say how proud we all are of Sabrina’s remarkable achievement. Sabrina’s recognition on the national stage is a fitting tribute to the long line of amazing Youth of the Year from our organization.

Congratulations, Sabrina, and thank you for inspiring us all to dream bigger. Go do great things in the world, Sabrina!!!