Youth of the Year

On Wednesday February 7th, seven youth finalists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley shared their stories of bravery and hope to a devoted audience at the Uptown Theater in downtown Napa. Every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley recognizes outstanding youth at an annual event called Youth of the Year. “This is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for our organization,” says Jaime Gallegos, Director of Operations for the Club. “It’s a unique opportunity for us to celebrate our incredible youth and a chance for people to see firsthand how the Club impacts our local community.”

Each year, thousands of teens across the nation participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events. In Napa and American Canyon, each nominee spends weeks preparing to tell their story on stage but there’s a whole lot more than storytelling behind the program. Finalists draft a series of essays on the topics of their Club experience, what matters to them most, and overcoming obstacles. They interview with staff, mentors, and judges. They contribute hours of community services and collect letters of recommendation from people they respect. At the February 7th event, our teen finalists had the opportunity to share their Club journey.

The event opened with a keynote by Abel Guillen, Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the California Department of Education and former Youth of the Year at the Columbia Park

Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco. Abel spoke to his experience and what the Club meant to him.

“I was surrounded by friends, many of whom took a different and darker path. I went to Berkley, but when I initially applied I thought that Berkley was an east coast school. That’s how far away I was from the college experience. But the Club continued to push me and because of their support I went to Berkley on a scholarship and that led me to a career with the California Department of Education. We’re here to wrap our arms, collectively, around these kids and teens to help them reach their full potential.”

“My first day at the Club was impactful, because it's where I began to understand what it meant to look to the future rather than to dwell on the past,” recalled Melody Kondor.

“I felt like an outsider, but the Club changed all that. The staff created a place of belonging for me outside of school.” agreed Audrey Aliga.

For Edmundo Gonzalez “the Club became an open door to a level playing field. It became my way forward and a place I will always call home.”

“Every day you're greeted by a smile from the staff. It was a happy and safe place after a long day at school.” recalled Madilynn Davis.

“I got to participated in so many art projects that my hands ached by the end of the day, yet, I couldn't wait for the opportunity to come back for more,” continued Mikayla Grogan.

For Laizah Coronado “The Club was the spark I needed to become the hero of my own story. They helped me find my shine, my skills, and gave me opportunities to take ownership of life I wanted to live.”

“The Club became my source of comfort and empowerment, a space where I could be myself, and for the first time, feel truly seen and heard through the transformative power of The Club.” said William Perez.

“That's the magic of this place,” concluded Greg Bouillerce, the Club’s Executive Director. “It's built on the idea that if you meet kids where they are and push them to be more, that great futures are the result. We've seen what that magic can do and what it can mean for the kids and teens who grow within our walls. That is the power of the Club experience. Not quite school not quite home but still more than the sum of its parts…”

Congratulations to all seven candidates and a special thanks to everyone who made the event special. You can learn more about this event, including the full event video, at www.begreatnv.org/events/yoy.