2023 Youth of the Year

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Thank you so much for joining us this evening for our 13th annual Youth of the Year Event. Whenever I think about the importance of our work at the Boys & Girls Club, I reflect on events like Youth of the Year. As our teens will tell you, the Club isn’t Day Care. We believe that every child holds a secret passion and gift; and that by exposing them to new opportunities in a safe and dynamic environment, we can help them realize that gift and more importantly share it with our community.

What you’re seeing tonight is not arbitrary or coincidental; these teens are the product of years of investment at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. We have been and continue to be there for these youth and countless others as we help them navigate their development as children to young adults. And so, when I think about the impact of our work at the Club, I know that it extends far beyond day care. Because we were there not just when it mattered but in all the spaces in between. When they were hungry, we came prepared with snacks. When

they needed help with homework, they found that help at the Club. When they needed advice, a staff was there to guide them. When they needed a family, we did everything we could to build them a home here within our walls. What your seeing tonight is the tangible magic of lives shaped, nurtured, and supported by a community of dedicated and heartfelt people at the Boys & Girls Club and we are so incredibly proud to share them with you tonight.

Thank you for helping us recognize these outstanding youth!

Greg Bouillerce

Greg Bouillerce Executive Director

Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events until the final six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, are selected to advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration. Of these six, one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s

The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for over 4.6 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people. Each nominee has completed three essays on the topics of their Club experience, what matters to them most, and overcoming obstacles. Tonight they will all have the opportunity to share their Club journey but only one will advance to the next stage of

At the Boys & Girls Club, we believe in the importance of recognizing youth for their personal achievements as a vehicle for inspiration, encouragement and success. Becoming Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each of the candidates you will meet tonight were identified through years of participation both at Club 1515 and through our elementary school programs. These teens have invested weeks in mentoring, volunteering, and crafting their message with staff and advisors. Of our over 4,000 registered, only a handful are offered the opportunity to participate tonight. These youth are more than they appear; they are the cornerstones of what the Boys &

The overall champion of tonight’s competition will be named our Local Youth of the Year. Every participant tonight will receive a scholarship for $500, with the over all champion receiving an additional 1,000 dollars in scholarship.

Guest Speaker at 4 BGCNV events with local media coverage in radio and print.

$1,500

Our Local Youth of the Year will move on to compete against candidates from Clubs across central and Northern California for one of three spots to move forward.

Recognition in area competition with local media coverage in radio and print. $1,500

Finalists from across California will compete for one spot to move forward.

Meet & Greet with the Governor, state media coverage in radio, print and TV.

$4,500

Finalists from across the Pacific Region will compete for one spot to move forward.

Recognition at the regional competition with national media coverage in radio, print and TV. Speaker at the Club’s Regional conference.

$20,000

Six Regional Finalists will compete for the title National Youth of the Year.

Meet and Greet with the President. Guest at the Club’s National Conference National media coverage in radio, print and TV.

$50,000

Tonight’s People

Master of Ceremonies: Jaime Gallegos, BGCNV, Director of Operations

Opening Remarks: Kevin Teague, BGCNV, Board President

Closing Remarks: Greg Bouillerce, BGCNV, Executive Director

Judges Andre Crisp, CEO & Founder, Legend Napa Valley

Holly Depaite, Advocate, Napa Valley Resident

Linsey Gallagher, President and CEO, Visit Napa Valley

Shawn Guttersen, CEO, BLT Enterprises

Jeri Hansen, President & CEO, Napa Chamber of Commerce

Mache Indelicato, Delicato Family Wines

Jonny Karpuk, CEO, First American Title of Napa

PROGRAM PART 1

Welcome: Jaime Gallegos

Opening Remarks: Kevin Teague, BGCNV, Board President

Youth of the Year Speeches

Candidate 1: Eduardo Coronado “The Future is here”

Candidate 2: Karlos Graduce “Rise of a Leader”

Candidate 3: Jaime Sanchez “Infinite Possibilities, one you”

Candidate 4: Melody Kondor “Progress, not Perfection”

Candidate 5: Miguel Rivera Medina “The Game Changer”

Candidate 6: Rachel Wu “Box of Possibilities”

Candidate 7: Dareydy Rojas “Get Back Up”

Candidate 8: Mikayla Grogan “Growing Independence”

PROGRAM PART 2

Event at a glance 15 Minute Intermission

Closing Remarks: Greg Bouillerce

Youth of the Year Presentation: Greg Bouillerce

We love sharing data points and since July 1 of 2021 the Club’s publications have reached over 40,000 people locally. Over 9,000 individuals have spent time clicking through our magazines, resulting in thousands of unique clicks to our website or social media pages. That’s important because, as you know Napa is a small community and when people visit our website or review these publications, they want to know who is helping to make this work possible and whether you’re a parent, a participant or a sponsor, that continues to be you; so, THANK YOU!

Learn More

Who we Serve: If we were to consider all of the youth attending the Club, their age, household, economic status, and time spent in our programs and condense it into ONE story here is how that would read: The typical member at the Boys & Girls Club lives and attends school in Napa. They live in a family of four with a sibling who likely also attends the Club and parents who work full-time. Collectively their household earns less than $80,000/year. They live in a home that is rented jointly by family or friends. Despite shared resources, money is tight and this often disrupts basic needs like nutrition & housing. As a result, their parents often work multiple jobs and rely on the Club for care when school isn’t in session.

The average household income of members attending the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley is 80k/year!

If you were to summarize the average Club member’s entire year (after school, Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks into one 24 hour period here is how that time would be allotted.

Club School

If you were to take all the children attending afterschool programs in the County of Napa and combine them into a village of 100… 67 of them attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. 18 of them attend programs run by Napa County. 15 of them attend other programs.

With representation from every major ethnic group the Club is more diverse than the whole of Napa County 52% of which is populated by individuals of Caucasian descent and 38% by individuals of Hispanic descent. –US Census

If we apply the median Household income in Napa to the typical family we serve, of their $7,000 monthly income, $6,500 goes to basic needs like Housing, Transportation, Utilities, and Groceries; leaving just $500 to spend on other essentials like child care. 70% of the households we serve live below this income threshold and receive full scholarships to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

Honorable Mentions: Youth of the Year Junior

Every week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley recognizes members who excel in our core program areas (Character and Leadership, Education and Technology, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation). From these children, a Member of the Month is selected. Of these Members of the Month, a Member of the Year is announced representing each of our Clubhouse and School Site locations. Each of these youth have qualities we look for as a potential Youth of the Year, the Clubs’ highest honor, and we’re eager to see what they accomplish over the next few years. These are definitely kids you should keep your eye on!

Napa Clubhouse Browns Valley Site

Emily Sullivan Colton Jones

Eliany Rodriguez Sydney Goodmanson

Sebastian Salazar

Juliani Munoz

Devany Romero

Stella Seymour

Isaac Bravo

Chloe Mendoza-Fabian

Makena Ortiz

Melissa Martinez

Victoria Guillen

Damian Davis

Madeline Winkelhaus

Kora Hughes

Natalia Juarez

Gaetano Lefler

Madelyn Cline

Ella Nelson

Kora Hughes

Katelyn Guillen

Lachlan Nightingale

McPherson Site

Vanessa Amezcua

Genaro Ramirez

NVLA

Aria Schillachi

Michael Guerrero

Ailani Pantoja Joana Santana Gonzalez

Ivan Ascencio

Ana Osuna

David Cervantes

Sophia Alvarado

Adrian Gonzalez

Ruby Arreola

Francisco Puentes

Emiliano Perianza

Lily Grace Munoz

Eliana Solorio

Christopher DeHaro

Catalina Contraras

Emory Duane

Arianna DiPiero

Jonathan DeHaro

Giovanni Heredia Castillo

Ellis Buckles

Simone Lacau

Are you ready to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?! Check out a full list of programs we offer by following the QR Code to the right or just click: !

Victoria Guillen Natalia Juarez Ailani Pantoja Giovanni Heredia Castillo

Elle Newberry

Pueblo Vista Site

Daniel Zamora

Willow School Site

Harper Vargas Maya Ortiz

Dylan Zaremba

Isco Vargas

Reyes Diaz

Gaby Navarro

Primavera “Ivy” Ocasio

Naileah Garibay

Ari Knutson

Castaneda, Amayah

Peter Molinari

Elle Newberry

Mateo Orozco

Cameron Olivares

Raul Medrano

Callan Benton

Amelia Robley

Julia Delgado

Paul Medrano

Estefani Palma Pimentel

Jessica Kreitz

Heather Anderson

Leonardo Gutierrez

Daniel Zamora*

Milah Healer

Sarahy Hernandez

Redwood Site Unidos Site

Alexander Arevalos

Stephanie Duran

Brandon Solorio

Mason Solorio

Trinity Williamson

Only five youth were selected as this Location Opened in August of 2022.

Lujan Marie

Alexa Munoz

Jose Franco

Sunel Mayorga

Sarahy Hernandez

Only five youth were selected as this Location Opened in August of 2022.

Arlo Font

American Canyon Club

Vivian Sun

Iyana Billings

Arlo Font

Aliyah Rolland

Selena Espinoza

Carter Ramos

Leiana Jordan

Grace Kimani

Odalys De Leon

Siri Quiroz

Eleanor Bell

Kandy Garduce

Aalia Harris

Napa Junction Site

Melanie Gonzaga

Santiago Magallan

Dawn Bonner

Annabelle Aragon

Alexander Thompson

Stephanie Aguiar

Brylen Wilson

Abel Guerra

Lily O’Brien

Samoni Baisden-Bell

Aalia Harris

Amaya Brown

Isabella Barragan

Canyon Oaks Site

Keomi Vides

Isabelle Coffin

Kingston Chilton

Isabella Barragan

Sara "Juliana" Obando

Abel Guerra

Oliver Perez-Espinoza

Kai Bethancourt

Isabella Barragan

Jaelyn Halil-Bamba

Andrew Zavala

Caynan Patterson

Honorable Mentions: Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is a year long recognition and service program. Every week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley identifies teens who excel in our core program areas (Character and Leadership, Education and Technology, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation). From these teens, a Member of the Month is selected. Each of these youth have qualities we look for as a potential Youth of the Year, the Clubs’ highest honor, and we’re eager to see what they accomplish. These are definitely teens you should keep your eye on!

Napa Clubhouse Club AC American Canyon

Club 1515

Eduardo Coronado* Melody Kondor *

Anysa Garcia Mikayla Grogan*

Joaquin Sanchez Arlo Font

Jaime Sanchez* Rachel Wu*

Liazah Coronado Kate Sosa

Dareydy Rojas* Le'shawn Chestnut

Miguel Rivera Medina* Sage Hodges

Lealin Lek Grace Kimani

Lesley Cortes Aliyah Rolland

Edmundo Gonzalez Lucia Gutierrez

Emmanuel Rivera Medina Karlene “Karlos” Garduce*

Oswaldo Sanchez Andy Vo

Joel is currently a full time student at the University of California San Francisco where he is finishing up his undergraduate degree in communications. On top of school he is a resident dorm advisor and member of the associated student body government. Outside of school he is employed full time at Apple Inc

Jahir was accepted to The University of California Sacramento where he is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in the Arts. This year he recently took a part time position as a Youth Development Professional with The Club at McPherson where he is helping guide the Kindergarten program.

Dareydy has a transcendent vibrance and energy. That’s probably why our judges were so taken with her performance as the 2021 youth of the year which took place virtually. As our Youth of the Year she represented the Club in radio interviews and at various speaking events in the Valley.

Azhley, with her tenacious work ethic graduated early from Valley Oak High School with honors and is currently pursuing a career with the United States Marine Corps. While she awaits boot camp, she is continues as a full-time employee and barista at Pete’s coffee in Napa.

Tonight’s Youth of the Year Candidates

Eduardo Coronado Karlos Graduce Jaime Sanchez Melody Kondor

Miguel Rivera Medina Rachel Wu Dareydy Rojas Mikayla Grogan Club 1515 Club AC Club 1515 Club AC

Questions

Eduardo has been a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2011 where he joined our programs at the Napa Clubhouse as a 1st Grader. He is currently a Senior at Napa High School and upon graduation plans to pursue a technical degree in Cyber Security.

Eduardo Coronado, age 17 Club 1515

Club Member Since 2011 Club Engagement Extra Curriculars

About Eduardo

shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY 2023

To Whom it May Concern,

It gives me great honor to write this letter of recommendation for Eduardo Coronado as he pursues the title of Youth of the Year. Eduardo has been a member of our organization for 11 years attending the Napa Clubhouse and has been an active participant in the Keystone, Digital and Fine Arts, and Workforce development programs.

Eduardo is currently a Senior at Napa High School and upon graduation plans to pursue a career in construction management in hopes of owning a Construction and Design firm. As Eduardo’s Club staff for the last six years, witnessing his growth not only as student but as a leader in The Club and community, I can say confidently that he is on a path for much success and will continue to make a great impact in the future.

Eduardo’s time at The Club, has provided many examples of his ideal character and someone who has taken full control over his actions and what's ahead of him. Overcoming labels of others, he has grown immensely in taking back his future in placing a high importance on his education and has taken a variety of opportunities over the last few years to grow as a leader through exploring his interests and pathways to careers. This growth can be reflected in his role as Vice President of our organization's Keystone program, his commitment as a designer in the community mural project and his involvement in our monthly workforce development panels.

Participating in such programs has provided him a sense of pride and responsibility; finding his greatest commitment to service through his participation in The Di rosa embedded artist program where he led the creation of a community mural that brought awareness and unified our community with the words “Somos Fuertes Unidos". His leadership traits were showcased as he motivated his peers and led by example doing whatever it took to make a change. With this project alone, through the process of designing, preparing and painting the art piece, he invested over 50 hours of service. He also dedicated much of his time serving the community through Keystone through volunteer projects such as the Holiday Workshop passing out presents for those in need, cleaning up waste downtown for the California Coastal Cleanup day, passing out candy and running games at the annual Halloween Carnival and volunteering for the ZD wines Crush Challenge.

What has set him apart is his resiliency and work ethic. No matter the obstacles he has faced he continues to invest time and hard work. This relentless effort has motivated those around him to break free of their limitations by fully applying themselves. He has the desire, motivation and personal perseverance that it takes to be successful as Youth of the Year.

Thank you,

Joshua Sergeson Teen Services Director

Questions

Karlene ‘Karlos’ has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley since 2015 where they attended Donaldson Way Elementary. They are currently freshmen at American Canyon High School and plan to move to Southern California and become a Doctor.

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

Karlos Garduce, age 14

Club Member Since 2015

About Karlos

shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY 2023

To Whom it may concern, It is with great pleasure that I strongly recommend Karlos as a candidate to receive the Youth of the Year award.

I am Angelica Claudio. Currently, I work as an Independent Facilitator with the Napa Valley School District along with curating a martial arts program for students of various ages. Before my position with NVUSD, I had the chance to work under the Boys and Girls Club organization for a collective six years and throughout those years, I had the honor to watch Karlos develop into the person they are today.

Karlos has been a part of the Boys & Girls Club family for many years, along with their younger siblings. During their time at the American Canyon Clubhouse, Karlos has displayed wonderful leadership to their peers, compassion for fellow members, and respect for themselves and towards others, which can be further supported by their role as a Junior Leader throughout the Clubhouse. There has never been a time that I can recall where I had any negative encounters with Karlos. Throughout my employment with Boys & Girls Club, I was known to run art programs for the students at American Canyon. Each time a project was discussed, Karlos showed excitement and passion. They were highly creative, thoughtful and open to the wide possibilities the visual arts can offer.

Along with their own enthusiasm, Karlos has always been effective at making others feel the same about projects and activities while including their fellow peers in a variety of interests. Their pragmatic demeanor and energy are infectious; it was always a delight to see others feeling their optimism. Karlos is a go-getter who strives to complete their tasks as well as encouraging their fellow peers to follow suit.

Overall, Karlos exemplifies integrity, compassion and respect that I feel youth should emulate to the best of their abilities. They are an invaluable member of the Boys & Girls Club, and I know Karlos would be an amazing candidate for Youth of the Year.

Sincerest regards,

Angelica Claudio Independent Facilitor of NVUSD

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Jaime became a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley in 2018 where he has continued to engage with the Club 1515 Teen Center programs almost every day. He is currently a Senior at New Technology High School and upon graduation plans to pursue a technical degree in Digital Media and Graphic Design.

Member Since 2018 Club Engagement Extra Curriculars

Jaime Sanchez, age 17

Club 1515

Club

About Jaime

PRESENTED BY 2023

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my pleasure to write a recommendation for Jaime Sanchez Perez for Youth of the Year 2023. Jaime is currently a student of mine at New Technology High School. He has constantly demonstrated his sense of humor, strength of character, and resilience in the time I have known him. I know Jaime has overcome many obstacles and never succumbs to challenges he faces. One consistent thing in his life is his involvement as a member of the Boys and Girls Club in Napa Valley.

Jaime is very conscientious and is excelling in Spanish 2. He is often quick to help others, is kind and supportive and a role model for peers. During class, he always participates and has a positive attitude. He asks questions when need and demonstrates a good work ethic. At New Technology High School, students create projects to demonstrate their learning, Jaime always works with his team to create a product that meets expectations.

As I’ve gotten to know Jaime better this year, I see him demonstrate his strength in leadership. He is a part of Associated Student Body, severing as the treasurer this year. He uses his leadership to account for club funds, plan school activities, and lead school meetings with his team. I am also a club advisor and have interacted with Jaime in his leadership role. Please consider Jaime for Youth of the Year 2023, he is an excellent candidate and truly represent the values of Boys and Girls Club! Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kinnereth Winegarner Spanish Teacher New Technology High School

About Melody

Melody has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley since 2015 where she attended Donaldson Way Elementary. She is currently a freshman at American Canyon High School and plans to apply to Stanford University.

Club Member Since 2015

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

Melody Kondor, age 15

Club AC

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY 2023

Letter of Recommendation

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to recommend Melody Kondor for your Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Program.

Melody was my student in the 2021-2022 school year. She was in my HS Math 1 with Computing and Robotics class. It is an accelerated math class for 8th graders, and upon successful completion, earn High School credit. Melody succeeded in my class.

Melody also has taken time outside her extracurricular activities to mentor younger students, and participated in our after school Elementary Robotics workshops, teaching kids robotics and coding. She was very busy in 8th grade and made sure to spend time mentoring kids. She also goes above and beyond to follow through with her team and collaborate on her video project. She wanted to enter her video in the CSTEM Day RoboPlay Video Competition at UC Davis, however, the event was unfortunately canceled due to COVID restrictions.

Melody is an extremely hard worker and dedicated to school, her friends, and family. She is a kind person and will put her work aside to help others. I hope your consideration to have her in your program is taken with the highest consideration, as I am confident she will be an asset to have for your organization.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Tammy Lee Teacher American Canyon Middle School

Miguel has been a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2013, joining our programs as a member of the McPherson elementary school site. He is currently a Senior at Vintage High School and upon graduation plans to pursue a degree in Video Game design. He’s excited to dive into a career a content creation and leveraging his skillset to design his own video game franchise.

Club Member Since 2013 Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

Miguel Rivera Medina, age 18 Club 1515

About Miguel

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY 2023

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I nominate my student Miguel Rivera-Medina for Youth of the Year. Miguel is a student in my CRSH (Culturally Responsive Sustaining and Humanizing) leadership class at Vintage high school where he exemplifies the community minded ideals we strive to develop in our students.

Over the course of his first semester in our leadership course Miguel has been both team leader and team member in events designed to increase the sense of community and belonging amongst students at Vintage high. In a leader role Miguel has had to dole out responsibilities while assessing the needs of those on his team. He has demonstrated great skill in communication, having to coordinate between teacher, student and administrative groups on campus. Miguel has taken a significant role in student-teacher competitions, student clothing drives, a gift drive for a family in need and other fundraisers. It has been my pleasure throughout the semester to see Miguel become more involved in our class and on campus. When he began my course Miguel was hesitant to take a leadership position but after becoming more comfortable with his peers and with his own abilities it has been very rewarding to see Miguel find confidence in his skillset.

Outside of school I know that Miguel has interests in music and video games. Discussing video games with him, as it is a shared interest, it is clear that even when he is existing in a virtual space, he engages in a leadership position.

I believe that Miguel would make an ideal representative of the Boys & Girls Club. Miguel has the drive, talent and connection to resources that make him ideal for representing the diverse opinions and needs of the many different communities of which he is a member. I fully endorse Miguel for youth of the year!

Sincerely,

Brandon Kirkland-DeJesus Vintage High School

Rachel has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley since 2013 where she attended Donaldson Way Elementary. She is currently a freshman at American Canyon High School and plans to go to college for computer gaming design.

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

Rachel Wu, age 14

Club AC

Club Member Since 2013

About Rachel

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY 2023

Letter of Recommendation

Dear Members of the Youth of the Year Committee,

I’m delighted to recommend Rachel Wu for the Youth of the Year Scholarship. I had the pleasure of teaching Rachel in 4th grade at Donaldson Way where she was one of my very first students.

As a student, Rachel was studious and creative. She was quick to finish her signed work before busying herself with a creative outlet. I remember a time when Rachel had completed her class work and was working on paper crafts. Another student was impressed with what Rachel had made, and asked if Rachel could show him how to make one. Rachel looked at me for a response and I told her she was welcome to show him as long as he completed his work first. Before I knew it, a majority of the class had completed the assignment, and Rachel was leading them in the steps of making this craft.

This memory goes to show how much of a leader Rachel is. She leads without even meaning to do so. It is something that comes naturally to her.

Rachel also liked to March to the beat of her own drum. She was the kind of person who would not do a task in a straightforward way, but find a way that made sense to her. Often times she would find a way that was even more efficient. She had a way of putting her own personal stamp on anything she did.

I will say that I have not seen Rachel since she left Donaldson way elementary after fifth grade. However, she is one of my previous students and is prominent in my mind and heart. I am confident that wherever Rachel goes in life, she will do so in a creative and unique way. And I am happy to recommend Rachel for this scholarship.

Katherine McCarver Teacher, Willow Elementary School

Club 1515

Dareydy has been member of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2012 as a second grader and has been a regular attendee of the Napa Clubhouse’s programs ever since. She is currently a Senior at Vintage High School and upon graduation plans to pursue a degree in Child Development to achieve her goal of creating a non-profit dance studio.

Club Member Since 2012

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

Dareydy Rojas, age 17

About Dareydy

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY 2023

Letter of Recommendation

To Whom it May Concern,

It is with the highest regard that I write this letter of recommendation for Dareydy Rojas as she pursues the title of Youth of the Year. Dareydy has been a Club member since the 2nd grade and is currently an active member and Teen Mentor of the Club 1515 Teen Center program.

Dareydy is currently a Senior at Vintage High School and looking to pursue a degree in Child Development and dance. I can say confidently that Dareydy is one of the most positive influences we have at The Club.

Throughout her 11 years at The Club she has grown from being a young girl who struggled with confidence to a young woman with many accolades including Keystone president, CVNL Youth volunteer of the Year, Teen Mentor Leader, and 2021 Youth of the Year. Her transformation has sparked her vision of a community that helps carry the weight, lift the pressure, and challenges everyone to reach your highest potential.

As the president of Keystone, she has volunteered for many causes in the community, such as the Crush Challenge bike race for cancer research, the annual Halloween carnival passing out candy, putting together care packages for troops at Operation with Love From Home, organized a Southern California college and careers road trip for her peers, and lead virtual scavenger hunts during COVID-19 to help teens in the community stay connected. With this program alone she has accumulated over 300 hours of service and under her leadership our Keystone group was recognized nationally by Boy & Girls Clubs of America with an award for Teen Outreach.

She has used her leadership to design and guide weekly dance classes for our elementary and middle school members. The dance program allows over thirty members to learn routines, creatively express themselves, and build the confidence they need to have great futures. The positive relationships she has built along the way has set the standard for a positive culture of service by helping many find their rhythm and inspiring many future leaders.

Dareydy is the definition of a role model and the kind this generation needs. She is committed to improving the Mental health and confidence of the next generation, on and off the stage. With a platform like Youth of the Year, she would continue to do whatever it takes to use her Club experience, leadership and passion to inspire all youth and Club members across the nation in becoming productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Thank you,

Joshua Sergeson Teen Services Director

Questions

About Mikayla

Mikayla has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley since 2012 where they attended Donaldson Way Elementary. They are currently a sophomore at American Canyon High School and plan to attend UC Davis to pursue a degree in Architecture.

Club Member Since 2012

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

Mikayla Grogan, age 15 Club AC

shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

PRESENTED BY

To Whom It may concern,

I’m writing about a young lady named Mikayla Grogan whom I have known for 10 years. Watching Mikayla grow from a young little girl to a young lady has been quite a joy.

Mikayla as a young girl always bright – but in the years that I’ve watched her since; I’ve seen her develop into a talented, driven and intelligent young woman.

Through the years she has evolved on so many levels. She’s taken interest in and has mastered swimming and cooking. She’s traveled abroad to learn new cultures. But what I’m most impressed with is her love of architecture and design. As an Interior floor designer for California Wood Floors – I love her imagination, passion and creativity when it comes to her designs (whether it be hand drawn or on the computer). I even gave her some of my older floor plans just so that she could get a real feel for what it’s like to be an architect. She has personally cared for my dogs by housesitting, cleaned my house upon hire and taught me more about the passion that she has towards social inclusion for everyone. It’s not easy being in your 50’s and learning new terms, pronouns, the state of current generational struggles and all the while she continues maintaining excellent grades, working, volunteering, doing extra-curricular activities via school and being a great big sister.

Today she is still light, bright and has the warmest soul. She has a plan for her life, and watching her on a path to do great things is the greatest gift one could hope for, I see Mikayla building sky scrapers and running a design team and always remembering how hard she worked to get there, but still making time to help mentor others…

Her biggest fan, Lori Lindersmith

In 2020 the Club created an opportunity for local businesses to support our efforts and raised over $100,000 through the Business Campaign. As we exit the pandemic, we’re proud to transition this incredibly successful initiative to the Community Campaign. The Community Campaign allows local businesses to support and elevate specific community events offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. The events are exciting with offerings like a Santa Train experience, our Halloween Carnivals, and specialized program events like our Iron Chef Jr. and March Madness programs. Check out the new Community Campaign website to see who has joined or even better participate yourself and keep these events free for kids!

Want to learn more about the community campaign? Visit the “our community sponsors” section of our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !