Oxnard teen honored as BGCOP's Youth of the Year

OXNARD, Calif. - Feb. 25, 2019 - PRLog -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme has named 14-year-old Andro Mechiel as this year's outstanding 2019 Youth of the Year.

A freshman at Oxnard High School, Mechiel aspires to attend Harvard University after high school and become a doctor in sports medicine. He has been a member of the Club for two years and has found a home for himself at the Teen Center's Keystone Club. He says the Club was the first place where he felt truly welcome.

"After spending some time at the Club, I realized that I am worth more and that I can continue to push myself to do great things. So, I joined A.S.B, M.E.S.A., R.O.T.C. and R.O.P. at school," said Mechiel. "Being a part of all these clubs and organizations makes me feel like I will grow into a successful young man one day – and I could not have done this without the Club. I also love to see that smile on my parents' faces when I come home from school happy now instead of hurt and sad. I feel like I can become something big one day because of what I am willing to do."

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, living a healthy lifestyle and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

"Andro is an exceptional young man who deeply cares for others. He exhibited his leadership abilities shortly after joining the Club. He found his experience so enriching, he passed out Teen Center flyers on his own hoping to help other teens who might need a helping hand," said Erin Antrim, BGCOP Chief Executive Officer. "No matter what happens, he always looks for the best in himself and others. He is a great role model."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is a nonprofit 501© (3) youth service organization. BGCOP's mission is "to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential, as productive, responsible and caring citizens." Services are provided in three freestanding clubhouses in Oxnard and Port Hueneme which include a dedicated Teen Center, 11 public school program sites, one Club site in Nyeland Acres, one site at a Squires Public Housing, and the first Boys & Girls Club in a juvenile hall in the State of California. The purpose of BGCOP is to provide social, educational and recreational programs to all youth ages 6-18 years old, with an emphasis on those in underserved areas. Annual member dues are $20.00 however, no one is turned away regardless of ability to pay. Over 10,400 youth and teens are served annually. For more information, to get involved or to donate, please visit www.BGCOP.org.