Saving Lives through Youth Guidance & Development

Teya, a junior at Benson Polytechnic High School and 11-year member of the Regence Boys & Girls Club in New Columbia, was selected as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro’s Youth of the Year on Wednesday, November 8, 2017.

During the selection process, a panel of judges heard speeches from each of five Metro Area Youth of the Year candidates, conducted one-on-one interviews, and then announced the winner at the Youth of the Year Luncheon at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum.

“The Club has positively shaped my life in so many ways. They have always been a family to me and the whole community,” said Teya. “Seeing the power of community building has shown me that I am part of a community and should be nice to everyone, and because of that I volunteer as much as a can. I want to make a positive impact on the younger kids in my community.”

Teya grew up in the New Columbia neighborhood and is dedicated to giving back and advocating for social justice in her community. She volunteers with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Rosa Parks Elementary School, Charles Jordan Community Center, and her Club. She is also a member of the Women’s Empowerment Club at Benson High School. After high school, Teya plans to attend Occidental College to become a doctor.

Along with the title, Teya received a $1,000 scholarship and will continue on to represent the Portland Metro Clubs at the Oregon State Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year competition in March to be held in Portland.

Throughout the year, Portland-Area Clubs select a Youth of the Month. From the Youth of the Month candidates, a young person is chosen to represent their local Club as Youth of the Year. Teya competed with four other outstanding Club members representing Club communities from Hillsboro and North Portland. All four runners-up received a $500 college scholarship.