By Stephanie Lindstrom | Development Coordinator
The Youth of the Year competition was established in 1947 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It is the premier recognition program for Club members, who are selected for their service to the Club and community, academic success, strong moral character; life goals, poise and public speaking ability.
The winner selected from the city competition will represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland at the state-wide Youth of the Year competition in March. The Oregon Youth of the Year receives a college scholarship, then goes on to compete for the title of Western Regional Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
On January 20, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland held our annual City Youth of the Year competition. Six extraordinary youth, one from each Club, competed. Each of our youth gave speeches and were interviewed by a panel of judges. The theme for their speeches was what the Boys & Girls Clubs means to them. Below are some quotes from each candidate:
"The Wattles Boys & Girls Club has made me who I am today. When I entered high school, I didn't think I'd go to college. Now I'm a senior and I've been accepted to two four-year universities." -Bryan, Wattles Club
"I want to be a youth ambassador to help tackle some of the biggest issues that face youth today. I want to help develop the next generation of young people." -John, Jack Will & Rob Club
"Without it , I wouldn't be the man I am today... I owe myself to the Boys & Girls Club. I feel like it impacted me by giving me a safe place to go to every day after school." -Nathan, Meyer Memorial Club
"I feel like I am a part of the Boys & Girls Club, and my voice will always be heard." -Krystal, Regence Club
"I have gained invaluable leadership skills during my time in the Keystone Club program, and through this experience I now see myself as a leader to my peers and younger kids at the Club and in the community." -Nehemiah, Trail Blazers Club
"The Boys & Girls Club has been the experience of a lifetime. I really mean it when I say I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't come to this wonderful place." -Roselynn, Inukai Club
We are so proud of all of our candidates, and the judges had a very hard time selecting the winner. Our winner was John Grall from the Jack Will & Rob Club. He is a senior at Camas High School and has been a Club member for 11 years. His anticipated career is in politics.
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