CELEBRATING YOUTH EVENT SPONSORED BY
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021
CELEBRATING YOUTH EVENT – PROGRAM n
Welcome Marcia Mintz, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Iyana Jameson, 2019 Arizona State Youth of the Year, I.G. Homes Branch, ASU Student n
Hosts Kristen Keogh, The Social Television Network - STN TV
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Recognitions Featured Youth of the Year Speakers – see list below
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Announcement of 2021 Youth of the Year Marcia Mintz, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2021 (Listed order of speaking)
Vakentae Cooks
I.G. Homes Branch
Central High School
Dylan Heninger
Superstition Mountain Branch
Skyline High School
Jahari Herring
Bob & Renee Parsons Branch
Sonoran Science Academy
Amaya Jones
Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch
Hunter Lowry Ricardo Martinez Gabriel Mata David Richardson
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Deer Valley High School
Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch Trevor G. Browne High School Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria Branch Ed Robson Family Branch
Peoria High School North Canyon High School
Tri-City West/Thornwood Branch
Agua Fria High School
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
THE CELEBRATING YOUTH EVENT 2021 IS PRESENTED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF Presenting Sponsor
Youth Mentor Sponsors
The Law Office of Glynn W. Gilcrease, Jr.
National Sponsor
Legacy Sponsor
THANK YOU TO OUR TODAY’S KIDS, TOMORROW’S STARS SPONSORS (As of 1/8/2021)
Youth of the Year Sponsors
Priority Outcomes Sponsors
Saturday, May 1, 2021 www.bgcaz.org/stars/ Celebrating Youth Event 2021
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ABOUT BGC’S YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM Youth of the Year (YOY) is an annual program of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It is sponsored nationally by Toyota Financial and locally by businesses and committed individuals. Youth of the Year Candidates are selected based on service leadership in the areas of home and family, moral character, community service, Club service, school and life goals, along with written essays on Club Experience, Vision for America’s Youth, and Personal Brand. In addition, candidates are judged on poise, self-confidence, and public speaking. Each Club works to identify those exceptional young adults who embody the traits that Boys & Girls Clubs works to instill in each of our 17,000+ members. Once selected, these teens begin a life-changing, six-month journey. They are challenged to explore their personal history, formative experiences and find meaning in their talents and challenges and share those with the world in a 3-minute speech. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Youth of the Year program requires a strong commitment from each student. They have the opportunity to develop their writing and presentation skills and engage in specialized workshops designed to help them find their unique “voice” and story to share with our prestigious judging panel. The 2020-21 Journey is led by committed and caring team members – Branch Director Jason Reynolds of the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch; Ruben Cabral from the Chandler Compadres Branch; German Celaya from the Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch; Superstition Mountain Branch Director Angela Davis; and Branch Director Johana Lopez of the Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch. We hope you enjoy the stories of courage, resilience, compassion, kindness and hope from these extraordinary youth. Thanks to your generosity tonight, each of these teens has the opportunity to pursue their dreams!
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
2020 YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNERS
CESAR VILLASENOR & SAMIA RUIZ y only wish is M that I would have known about my Club sooner.
T he Club shaped me into the person that I am — my passions, morals, interests and my personality!
INTRODUCING THE 2021
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I.G. HOMES BRANCH VAKENTAE COOKS Age 18, Central High School Although Vakentae has only been a Club member for 2 years, he has quickly become a positive leader and influencer among the other Club teens. He is President of the Keystone Club and a member of the Black Student Union at the Metropolitan Arts Institute. He has also participated in AZYouthforce, where he interned at Talking Stick Resort Arena and was later hired as a Guest Relations Ambassador. He plans to attend Arizona State University and will work towards a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and psychology to become an English teacher and author. He hopes to use this career to assist young adults deal with oftenoverlooked mental health issues by teaching them better comprehension skills and how to express themselves in written form. Q: What are you enjoying most about High School? I am enjoying being exposed to a learning environment online, a side of the internet I did not usually go on. Also, the challenge of having to make any environment a learning environment. Being that school is exclusively online, I really have to motivate myself and make wherever I am a learning environment. Q: What has your Boys & Girls Club meant to you? Moving across the country at 16, going to the Club gave me a place to meet people and build relationships that were both meaningful and diverse. Q: What excites you most about the future? Becoming a teacher and being a part of the process that so heavily impacts who we become as people excites me about the future.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN BRANCH DYLAN HENINGER Age 16, Skyline High School Dylan has been involved with the Superstition Mountain Club for 12 years. With the help of the Club, Dylan has learned how to manage his frustration, focus, set goals, and take strides to reach those goals. Dylan currently has over a 4.0 GPA at Skyline High School, and is the President of the Keystone club, Vice President of the Torch Club, and is a part of the Leaders in Training (LIT) Program. Through these programs, he has acquired 1,258 volunteer hours. With his mother and the Club’s support, Dylan has become successful and intelligent and always puts his education and finishing things as his first priority. He plans to attend Northern Arizona University to pursue a degree in Engineering on a Lumberjack Scholarship. After graduation, Dylan plans on finding a successful career as a Mechanical Engineer. Q: What are you enjoying most about High School? I like learning new things and getting a better understanding of things work in everyday life. Especially in math. Q: What excites you most about the future? I am looking forward to going to college and getting a higher education so I can become a mechanical engineer. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? You will succeed as long as you try your best, and to focus on your strong spots because that will be the place where you shine the most. Q: If you could live in a book, tv show, or movie, what would it be and why? Merlin, it’s a show about King Arthur and his secret wizard servant who helps him through his journey of life. I think it would be cool and fun.
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BOB & RENEE PARSONS BRANCH JAHARI HERRING Age 17, Sonoran Science Academy Jahari joined the Parsons Club just over 2 years ago. He has quickly established himself as a role model for the younger teens and youth. Jahari is the President of Keystone, is Captain of the Club basketball team, has participated in the Leaders in Training (LIT) program, Teen Court, and is a leader in Read Better Be Better program where he helps younger members improve their reading and comprehension skills. Through these programs, he has acquired 180 volunteer hours. Jahari states the Club has changed him as a person. He is more open to exploring new things and has grown more confident as a leader. Jahari plans to attend Arizona State University to continue his education, become a psychiatrist, and find a platform to empower the youth of the future. Q: Where do you think you would be without the Boys & Girls Club? I think I would be less social and have less friends. I get to meet new people and learn about how other people live. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do that. Q: What are you most proud of about yourself? I’m most proud about the drive that I have to continue to improve myself. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? Be true to yourself, only change to better yourself. Q: If you could live in a book, tv show, or movie, what would it be and why? If I were in a book, I would be in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief because I would learn about and fight mythological creatures.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
LOUIS & ELIZABETH SANDS BRANCH AMAYA JONES Age 16, Deer Valley High School Amaya has been a Club member at the Sands Branch for 4 years. She has established herself as a dependable, honest, and responsible student who is constantly looking for ways to assist staff at the Club. Amaya has a 3.4 GPA at Deer Valley High School, is President of the Keystone Club, is a group leader for the Girl Scouts program, participates in the Leaders in Training (LIT) program, and is an active member on the soccer, track, and swim teams. Through these programs, she has contributed 300 volunteer hours. She has also earned the Bronze and Silver Awards for her volunteer service through the Girl Scouts program; and she’s currently working toward her Gold Award. Amaya is an advocate for equality and loving others for their differences. She states the Club gave her the courage and hope to believe that she was going to be okay and was enough. Amaya plans on attending the University of Arizona to further her education and eventually become a veterinarian. Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club? My favorite thing I’ve done was coach the boy’s football team. Q: What excites you most about the future? Moving out and going to college. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? I would tell her that it’s gonna be okay. Keep your head up.
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SPENCER D. & MARY JANE STEWART BRANCH HUNTER LOWRY Age 17, Trevor G. Browne High School Hunter has been a Club member since the creation of the Stewart Club 11 years ago. He has an infectious personality, and his kindness and search for knowledge is at the foundation of his high morals and personal values. When he was young, Hunter struggled with his family’s financial situation and his father’s substance abuse issues. He overcame feelings of loneliness and resentment that came as a result of those challenges. Today, Hunter has a 3.8 GPA at Trevor Browne High School, is serving as the Senior Class Student Council President, is a participant in the Keystone Club, the Leadership in Training (LIT) program, STOMP team, coaches for the Youth Flag Football program, and volunteers with the Better to Give program. Over the years, he has combined his love for sports and volunteering by also serving over 700 hours at the local YMCA as a coach and referee for Midnight Basketball, Miracle League program, and Special Olympics events. Hunter hopes to attend Arizona State University and pursue an Independent Degree Program to eventually become a motivational speaker and inspire young athletes. He is determined to bring hope and positive energy to others. Q: What excites you most about the future? The unknown. Knowing that I am living my best moments every day. Q: What are you most proud of about yourself? The way I have matured and know how to utilize my energy. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? Don’t give up. Be yourself, don’t supply to anyone’s needs. Be your own character. Q: If you won $100,000 today, what would you do with your winnings? Donate to youth development organizations and buy my mom a car.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
JERRY & HELEN WISOTSKY/PEORIA BRANCH RICARDO MARTINEZ Age 16, Peoria High School Ricardo has been a Peoria Club member for 11 years. During his membership, he has grown exponentially and established himself as a teen leader and a great role model to his peers. Ricardo has a 3.3 GPA at Peoria High School, is Vice President of the Keystone Club, participates in the Torch Club, plays on the Varsity soccer team at school, and was a My Life Day coordinator. He has participated in street cleanups, volunteered at St. Mary’s Food Bank, helped Veterans decorate a parade float, helped adopt kids for Christmas in partnership with the Salvation Army Christmas Angels, helped feed the homeless, and even granted a Hospice patient their dream come true of attending Symphony Hall for an orchestra concert. Through these programs, he has acquired over 30 volunteer hours. He hopes to attend trade school to study auto mechanics, welding, and engineering. He also hopes to become a leader in his community and inspire others to be more mindful citizens. Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club? I have met many new people, been involved in many clubs, and have gone to sports games, but my favorite was being a part of Keystone, and going around Phoenix helping those in need. Q: What excites you most about the future? I just hope everyone could get along and there be equality in the world. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? Whatever you do, do it to your best abilities, and give it your all. If you don’t, why do it at all. Q: If you could live in a book, tv show, or movie, what would it be and why? The Outsiders, I loved that book in 7th grade, and I want to interact with the characters.
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ED ROBSON FAMILY BRANCH GABRIEL MATA Age 16, North Canyon High School Gabriel has been a Club member of the Robson Branch for 4 years. During his membership, he has come out of his shell and improved his communication with others. Gabriel has a 4.3 GPA at North Canyon High School, is the treasurer of Keystone Club, participates in the Leader in Training (LIT) program, Camp Swift, AVID program, and is a sales associate at Breezy Pop. Through these programs, he has acquired over 163 volunteer hours. His Boys & Girls Club has provided Gabriel with many opportunities to help him achieve his future goals. Gabriel hopes to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering and eventually work for NASA. With this career, he hopes to express his creative ideas and make amazing technological advances. Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club? Being treasurer of Keystone running the snack shack. Q: What excites you most about the future? The new technology. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? Success is a difficult journey. Q: If you could live in a book, tv show, or movie, what would it be and why? Harry Potter because I could be a wizard.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
TRI-CITY WEST/THORNWOOD BRANCH DAVID RICHARDSON Age 17, Agua Fria High School David has been a Club member for 9 years. During his membership, he has been able to impact his fellow teen members with his ability to positively connect with others despite their unlikely compatibility and differences. David has a 3.64 GPA at Agua Fria High School, is a Drill Commander and Color Guard Commander in his Air Force JROTC program, is active at his church, and plays on the basketball team. Through these programs, he has acquired over 40 volunteer hours through the Boys & Girls Club this year, and over 270 volunteer hours with the Air Force JROTC. He plans on enlisting in the Marine Corps following graduation. He hopes to dedicate his life to preserving freedom and keeping people safe. He also hopes to inspire others to serve their country and continue their education. Q: What are you enjoying most about High School? I enjoy spending time with friends and making memories. I enjoy playing baseball and teaching drill in our Air Force JROTC unit. Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Clubs? During the summers, I have been able to go on field trips to other clubs and sporting events, both are lots of fun and full of new people. Q: What excites you most about the future? I’m excited to see how far I can go, if I’ll succeed in business or any other career, who I’ll meet, and where God takes me. Q: What are you most proud of about yourself? I’m always honest with people, I consider myself to have a strong moral compass, and I’m very proud of myself for being an outgoing person. Q: What advice would you give to youth like yourself? I would push them to be the best they could be, go as far as they could in life, you only get one, so make it as awesome as you can.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE!
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM Jason Reynolds, Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch Ruben Cabral, Chandler Compadres Branch German Celaya, Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch Angela Davis, Superstition Mountain Branch Johana Lopez, Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch Heather Budzien, Program Service Center Special thanks to Mark Skalny Photography and Bryan Heiden of Volt 40 Video. Clubhouse watch party dinners provided with generous support by Papa Johns.
BGCAZ CELEBRATING YOUTH EVENT COMMITTEE Heather Budzien, Chair
Jennifer Ensley
Kim Madrigal, Ph.D.
Cassidy Campana
Lisa Ellis
Savannah Stratman
YOY STYLING Part of our Youth of the Year journey includes a special shopping trip to select dresses and suits for the upcoming formal events. Our sincere thanks to Travis Anglin and Barry Schoeneman for their commitment to providing expert styling of our gentleman. Becky McHolland and Corrina Munson assisted our young ladies with styling, with the support of the team at Macy’s this year.
PRESENTATION TRAINING WITH TOASTMASTERS For the past six months, the 2021 Youth of the Year candidates have been working with volunteers from Toastmasters International to develop and improve oral communication and presentation skills. These talented speakers have assisted the Youth of the Year candidates in the development of their speeches, providing guidance and feedback in a supportive, respectful, professional environment.
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BGCAZ BRANCH DIRECTORS Kevin Chavez, Cartwright Branch Katelyn Toci, Jerry Colangelo Branch Ruben Cabral, Chandler Compadres Branch Sean Edmonds, MLB All-Star Arizona Diamondbacks Branch — A Kieckhefer Family Legacy Johana Lopez, Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch Kara Holmes, Gilbert Branch Jennifer Cummings, Grant Woods Branch Eric James, I.G. Homes Branch Sonia Enriquez, Ladmo Branch Kendra Wright, Littleton Branch Vannessa Moreno, North Tempe Branch Oscar Parra, Bob & Renee Parsons Branch Kendra Estle, Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/Peoria Branch Daniel Acostanunes, Ed Robson Family Branch German Celaya, Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch Lillian Keppen, Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch Jason Reynolds, Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch Angela Davis, Superstition Mountain Branch Eric Watkins, Swift Kids Branch Russell St. John, Thunderbirds Branch Brittany Espinoza, Tri-City West Thornwood Branch Elicia Prisegem, UMOM Branch
Special thanks to our YOY 2021 Judging Panel Nicole Bidwill – Arizona Cardinals Xavier Gutierrez – Arizona Coyotes Callie Kozlak – Arizona Department of Education Alex Laing – Phoenix Symphony 16
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
JOE HENDERSON AWARD Tonight, the winner of the Youth of the Year title will receive the Joe Henderson Memorial Award. Joe Henderson was a Chandler Compadre whose passion was giving back to the community. He was very dedicated to Boys & Girls Clubs. Known for his incredible sense of humor and love of life, Joe Henderson was an inspiration to all who met him. Moving to Arizona in 1987, he decided himself to being an active citizen within the Chandler community. In 1990, he joined the Chandler Compadres with a dream of improving opportunities in Chandler. One of Joe’s true love was flying, which is how he spent most of his days. Upon moving to Arizona he purchased San Tan Dusters, beginning a career as a successful crop duster. Joe always said a fortunate man was one who went to work and looked forward to it! Joe was lucky to love his work, and we are fortunate to have been able to share our lives with Joe. Prior to his passing, he was elected President of the Compadres and Compadre of the Year.
OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND A critical component of Boys & Girls Clubs programming is our Scholarship Program, which helps Club Alumni members pursue their dreams of a postsecondary education. Proceeds from this Youth of the Year event support the programs and activities offered at Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as provide scholarship and financial aid to qualifying members. Since the inception of the scholarship program, over 300 Club members have been awarded college scholarships. If you would like more information on donating to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, please contact us at 602-954-8182 or visit www.bgcaz.org/donate.
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SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT FOR BGCAZ ALUMNI Thanks to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, BGCAZ employs a College Access and Success Manager who supports our Club alumni as they pursue their post-secondary education and certificate programs. Many of our students are first-time college goers and this additional personalized support helps to ensure their long-term success in their career and academic programs. Last year, BGCAZ distributed $113,873 in scholarship support to 41 Club alumni.
OUR EDUCATION FUND The education fund is an account set aside for our current Youth of the Year candidates to use towards their post-secondary education, including paying for college or technical training school tuition. If the candidate is a high school sophomore or junior, they are able to use the funds for college accredited classes, school supplies or trainings. The education fund is also available to the candidates who are seniors to help them with other expenses a traditional scholarship may not cover. 18
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS FORMULA FOR IMPACT Boys & Girls Clubs employs a Formula for Impact for how the organization impacts the life of a child. Our programs are organized around four Priority Outcomes: Academic Success: Graduate from high school, ready for college, trade school, military or employment. Good Character & Leadership: Be an engaged member in the community, and model strong character. Healthy Lifestyles: Adopt a healthy diet, practice healthy lifestyle choices and make a lifelong commitment to fitness. Career Pathways & Workforce Readiness: Build knowledge, skills and learning experiences to prepare for the 21st century workforce and lifetime economic potential.
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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE VALLEY (BGCAZ) Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley offers affordable after-school and summer programs for 17,000+ young people in grades K-12. At Clubs across the Valley, BGCAZ provides award-winning programs designed to change the lives of young people. For nearly 75 years, BGCAZ has been creating equity and opportunity for youth through academic, social, and workforce opportunities. We help young people make healthy decisions and focus on social and emotional development to build resilient young adults. Most importantly, we work to develop strong character and leadership skills by creating positive connections to caring adults and their community.
Program Services Center – Central 4309 E. Belleview St., Bldg. 14 • Phoenix, AZ 85008 p: (602) 954-8182 • f: (602) 956-3320 • w: BGCAZ.org Stay Connected With Us @BGCArizona
BGCAZ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, genetics, veteran or disability status. Furthermore, BGCAZ does not discriminate on the basis of familial status. AZRelay.org or 7-1-1 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.