Exceptional Seaside Teen Wins Youth Of The Year Honor For Boys & Girls Clubs Of Monterey County

MONTEREY, Calif. - March 9, 2015 - PRLog -- Selected among several local outstanding youth, Jessica V. will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the 2015 Northern California Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. As the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC), 17 year-old Jessica is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and commitment to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year acknowledges outstanding youth for their contributions towards their family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as they overcome personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. The honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

If Jessica V. wins at the Northern California State Competition, she will compete for the title of the State of California Youth of the Year.  In September 2015, five US regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House as well as win additional scholarship funds.

The runner up, and Youth of the Year for our Salinas Clubhouse is Xavier W. Xavier started attending BGCMC at age 9. Through out his years, Xavier has participated in many leadership clubs, and has helped younger Club members develop their self-confidence. Xavier credits much of his personal success to BGCMC and states “The Club completely changed my morals and how I think about others, from ‘all about me’ to ‘all about us.’”

About Jessica V.
Jessica is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Youth of the Year and a senior at Seaside High School. She has been a Club member for the past three years and is currently employed after-school  with Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County working in the front office. Working at the Club has shaped her career plans and she has aspirations of being an elementary school teacher and getting a college education in Early Childhood Education. In her time at the Club, she has participated in Career Launch and Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands where she facilitated workshops on topics important to girls.

About Xavier W.
Xavier is seventeen years old, attends Palma High School and is captain of the Football Team.  He has been a Club member for 8 years and during that time, he has taken advantage of the many programs that the Club offers.  Xavier has been a part of the Keystone and Torch Leadership Clubs and has participated in Career Launch and Camp Old Navy. He is currently the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Youth of the Year for Salinas and is playing the lead role of the “Sun” during the Club member performance at the annual Comics for Kids Auction. Xavier is very active in the community, volunteering at the Salinas Rodeo and Johnson-Toney Football Camp. In the future, Xavier plans to attend a four-year university where he plans on majoring in sports medicine with a minor in secondary education. He also plans to play football at the collegiate level.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 46 years.  BGCMC provides a safe haven for over 800 children and teens a day, offering programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, extension sites at El Sausal and La Paz Middle Schools in Salinas, Fairview Middle School in Gonzales, and a site at the CHISPA Sea Garden Community in Castroville.  Club members are offered mentoring and guidance to maintain on-grade school progression, graduation from high school, and prepare for college and careers.  Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.  Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. Military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at bgca.org/facebook and bgca.org/twitter.