Congratulations, Sabrina!
2019-20 National Youth of the Year
About Sabrina
Inspiring the next generation of BGCSF leaders
Growing up in one of San Francisco's most challenging neighborhoods, Sabrina found a safe home at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. A member for 12 years, she credits the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse with giving her an outlet to express herself. Her favorite program at the Club was dance, which allowed her to tell her story through movement.
Sabrina attended a private middle school and high school, where she was given opportunities, experiences and an education vastly different from most kids in her community. The Club helped her comprehend the value of a good education and the importance to give back by sharing lessons she learned. Sabrina volunteered as a tutor to younger Club members, providing them with individualized help and attention.
For America’s youth, she dreams of a more equitable education system. Sabrina plans to become a U.S. Congresswoman and use her voice to create change within the education system. She is a freshman at Barnard College, Columbia University.
Last February, Sabrina was recognized as San Francisco's Citywide Youth of the Year at BGCSF's Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon. From there, her National Youth of the Year journey began. Sabrina moved on to win the Northern California, California, Pacific Region, and National Youth of the Year competitions.
Below are photos and quotes documenting Sabrina's journey to National Youth of the Year.
Sabrina attended a private middle school and high school, where she was given opportunities, experiences and an education vastly different from most kids in her community. The Club helped her comprehend the value of a good education and the importance to give back by sharing lessons she learned. Sabrina volunteered as a tutor to younger Club members, providing them with individualized help and attention.
For America’s youth, she dreams of a more equitable education system. Sabrina plans to become a U.S. Congresswoman and use her voice to create change within the education system. She is a freshman at Barnard College, Columbia University.
Last February, Sabrina was recognized as San Francisco's Citywide Youth of the Year at BGCSF's Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon. From there, her National Youth of the Year journey began. Sabrina moved on to win the Northern California, California, Pacific Region, and National Youth of the Year competitions.
Below are photos and quotes documenting Sabrina's journey to National Youth of the Year.
The Latest on Sabrina
"The community, especially youth, have a voice. They want to be able to express themselves and it's important for everyone to be able to help them in their journey of becoming who they want to be."
Paulina
Tenderloin Clubhouse
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"Photography made me open to who I am today. It’s a way that I express my emotions, my ideas, and what I think of myself."
Jesus
Mission Clubhouse
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"Through dance, I feel stronger and more confident."
Asha
Don Fisher Clubhouse
Sabrina Bio
A Local Youth on a National Journey
Club/Organization: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco
Membership Length: 12 Years
Favorite Club Activity: Dance
College/University: Barnard College
Career Goal: U.S. Congresswoman
Membership Length: 12 Years
Favorite Club Activity: Dance
College/University: Barnard College
Career Goal: U.S. Congresswoman
Sabrina's Journey
Visitacion Valley Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Before she became National Youth of the Year, Sabrina started as the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse Youth of the Year. Along with five other San Francisco youth representing neighborhoods across the City, Sabrina participated in an extensive leadership program that encouraged her to grow as a leader. From there, Sabrina and her peers took part in the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon, where Sabrina received the title of Citywide Youth of the Year. Below are photos from Sabrina's first steps in the Youth of the Year program, including orientation, speechwriting, character development exercises, and just plain fun.
Sabrina's Journey
California Youth of the Year and Beyond
After being honored as BGCSF's Citywide Youth of the Year, Sabrina stayed on her journey. She moved on to Northern California, California, and Pacific Region Youth of the Year contests, distinguishing herself among her peers at each step along the way. These achievements ultimately led to Sabrina being one of six finalists for National Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's highest honor.
At the National Youth of the Year Celebration in Washington, DC, Sabrina took part in a week filled with fun activities and opportunities for her to demonstrate her leadership skills. Whether visiting the monuments in our Nation's capitol or taking part in meetings with Speaker of the House and San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Sabrina was given a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The evening of the awards, Sabrina again demonstrated the strength of character that had brought her to National Youth of the Year. She gave a moving delivery of her speech and—upon receiving the National Youth of the Year title—shared her vision for equality and community support with the crowd.
At the National Youth of the Year Celebration in Washington, DC, Sabrina took part in a week filled with fun activities and opportunities for her to demonstrate her leadership skills. Whether visiting the monuments in our Nation's capitol or taking part in meetings with Speaker of the House and San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Sabrina was given a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The evening of the awards, Sabrina again demonstrated the strength of character that had brought her to National Youth of the Year. She gave a moving delivery of her speech and—upon receiving the National Youth of the Year title—shared her vision for equality and community support with the crowd.
Become a Youth of the Year
Inspired by Sabrina's accomplishment? Want to develop a deeper connection to your community and an understanding of personal responsibility, social justice, and the importance of service to others? Our Youth of the Year program teaches these skills and more! If you're not a BGCSF member yet, be sure to check out our page for Teens for information on all the ways the Club can be there for you.
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