Mar Vista teen chosen as Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Feb. 8, 2016 - PRLog -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica has named 15-year old Mylan Ross as its 2016 Youth of the Year.

A sophomore at Santa Monica High School, Ross has been a Club member for more than two years. She says music has always been a big part of her life, helping her to persevere, remain optimistic and have compassion for others. Once she graduates, her goal is to attend Columbia College in Chicago to pursue Performing Arts or Musical Therapy.

“The Boys and Girls Club has played a huge part in my personal development. If it wasn’t for the people at the Club, I would still be the timid, awkward, quiet person I was before joining the organization,” says Ross.

Ross has found her voice and seen her self-confidence rise as a participant in the Club’s Keystone program, which she credits for inspiring her to want to change the world.

“I realized that no matter how small my actions are, they will always make a difference in someone’s life,” adds Ross. “Keystone has inspired me to be an agent of social change for my community.”

Growing as a leader in the Keystone summer program, Ross says she developed patience and strategies for working better with others during difficult situations. Other Club programs she participated in include Smart Girls and College Bound.

“Her endless curiosity combined with her willingness to take initiative, prove there is no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond,” says Karina Garcia, College Bound Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica.

The Youth of the Year competition recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club local organization, as well as overcoming 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. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We are so proud of Mylan. She works really hard and has the determination we look for in a leader,” says Tim Blaylock, president & CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica.

Besides Club activities, Ross also participates in AYSO soccer and is a talented musician.

Founded in 1944, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica works to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as caring, responsible and productive citizens. Through membership and outreach, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica currently serves approximately 8,000 youth across its 10 sites throughout Los Angeles County. Members come from 131 different ZIP codes, with the majority of members coming from Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, West Los Angeles and Inglewood. For more information, visit www.smbgc.org or follow them on Facebook (facebook.com/smbgcfan) and Twitter(twitter.com/SMBGC).