Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth

February 21^st, 2012

“I came into the Club just wanting a place to hang out and have fun with friends, but over a period of time it became much more than that … The Club has been there for me in the good times and in the bad times. Whether I needed advice of just someone to talk to, everyone there was always there for me.” –Mayra Cardenas,  2011-2012 Youth of the Year.

Each year we take time to recognize Club members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, character, service to the Club and Community. These are young people who truly embody what it means to be a member of Boys & Girls Clubs. Three Candidates competed in the 2011 Youth of the Year competition: Mayra Cardenas a 17-year-old senior, Paris Madison a 16-year-old junior and Daniel Vargas a 17-year-old junior all have been Club members since 2008. Each Club member submitted applications, which contained 12 reference letters and two personal essays.

Candidates were then interviewed by the judges who rated them based on their written and verbal responses, poise and knowledge about the Club. The selected Candidate goes on to represent our organization at the state competition in April. The Youth of the Year is a very prestigious honor – this Club member becomes the face of our organization for one year. Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth’s Youth of the Year winner is Mayra Cardenas.

Fifth Third Bank was the lead sponsor and host of the event on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. There were 85 in attendance including Donors, Club members, the three Candidates, Staff and Community partners.

“Now it’s my turn to succeed and give them someone to be proud of in return.” –Mayra Cardenas

Permanant Link View/Leave Comments