2022 Youth of the Year

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 03, 2022 6:00PM - 8:00PM

VIRTUAL EVENT CLICK HERE TO JOIN US

To inspire and enable

all young people, especially those

who need us most to reach their full

potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

From the Executive, Thank you so much for joining us this evening for our 12th annual Youth of the Year Event. Whenever I think about the importance of our work at the Boys & Girls Club, I reflect on events like Youth of the Year. As our teens will tell you, the Club isn’t Day Care. We believe that every child holds a secret passion and gift; and that by exposing them to new opportunities in a safe and dynamic environment, we can help them realize that gift and more importantly share it with our community.

What your seeing tonight is not arbitrary or coincidental; these teens are the product of years of investment at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. We have been and continue to be there for these youth and countless others as we help them navigate their development as children and young adults. And so, when I think about the impact of our work at the Club, I know that it extends far beyond day care. Because we were there not just when it mattered but in all the space in between.

When they were hungry, we came prepared with snacks. When they needed help with homework, they found that help at the Club. When they needed advice, a staff was there to guide them. When they needed a family, we did everything we could to build them a home here within our walls. What your seeing tonight is the tangible magic of lives shaped, nurtured, and supported by a dedicated and heartfelt group of people at the Boys & Girls Club and we are so incredibly proud to share them with you tonight.

Greg Bouil erce

Thank you for helping us recognize these outstanding youth!

Greg Bouillerce Executive Director

Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events until the final six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, are selected to advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration.

Of these six, one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.

The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for over 4.6 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people. Each nominee has completed three essays on the topics of their Club experience, what matters to them most, and overcoming obstacles. Tonight they will all have the opportunity to share their Club journey but only one will advance to the next stage of the competition.

At the Boys & Girls Club, we believe in the importance of recognizing youth for their personal achievements as a vehicle for inspiration, encouragement and success.

Becoming Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each of the candidates you will meet tonight were identified through years of participation both at Club 1515 and through our elementary school programs. These teens have invested weeks in mentoring, volunteering, and crafting their message with staff and advisors. Of our over 4,000 registered, only four are offered the opportunity to participate in tonight’s event.

These youth are more than they appear; they are the cornerstones of what the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley represents and strives to achieve.

The overall champion of tonight’s competition will be named our Local Youth of the Year. Every participant tonight will receive a scholarship for $500, with the over all champion receiving an additional 1,000 dollars in scholarship.

Guest Speaker at 4 BGCNV events with local media coverage in radio and print.

$1,500

Our Local Youth of the Year will move on to compete against candidates from Clubs across central and Northern California for one of three spots to move forward.

Recognition in area competition with local media coverage in radio and print.

$1,500

Finalists from across California will compete for one spot to move forward.

Meet & Greet with the Governor, state media coverage in radio, print and TV.

$4,500

Finalists from across the Pacific Region will compete for one spot to move forward.

Recognition at the regional competition with national media coverage in radio, print and TV. Speaker at the Club’s Regional conference.

$20,000

Six Regional Finalists will compete for the title National Youth of the Year.

Meet and Greet with the President.

Guest at the Club’s National Conference National media coverage in radio, print and TV.

$50,000

Tonight’s Event Master of Ceremonies: Opening Remarks: Nominee Introductions: Closing Remarks: Judges

Jaime Gallegos, BGCNV, Director of Operations Alfredo Pedroza, BGCNV, Board Member Joshua Sergeson, BGCNV, Teen Coordinator Greg Bouillerce, BGCNV, Executive Director

Suzanne Truchard, Napa County Supervisor Candidate, First District Stacy Soberalski Hersly, Assistant Winemaker/GM, Hersly Wines Carlos Aguilera, Africa, Latin America Manager (Ret), Chevron Willa McManmon, Managing Director, Blue Shirt Group

Event at a glance PROGRAM PART 1 Welcome: Jaime Gallegos Opening Remarks: Alfredo Pedroza Youth of the Year Speeches Candidate 1: Azhley Gonzalez

“The Guide”

Candidate 2: Jaime Sanchez

“The Reboot”

Candidate 3: Madilynn Davis

“Call to Action”

Candidate 4: Mikayla Grogan

“Tree of Memories”

Candidate 5: Kyle Hadeler

“Us over I”

Candidate 6: Jazmin Valdovinos

“Found my Fight”

15 Minute Intermission PROGRAM PART 2 Closing Remarks: Greg Bouillerce Youth of the Year Presentation

As a

, Last Bottle has donated

$50,000 to provide ongoing support to Napa and American Canyon Youth! Join them as a business sponsor today! Click use the QR Code to participate!

or

it’s easier than ever to join the Business Campaign? With levels starting as low as $100/month your local business can have an immediate impact on the life of a child! Learn More and review a list of our current sponsors or visit us at www.BeGreatNV.org and click “See Our Sponsors!”

Honorable Mentions: Youth of the Year Junior Every week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley recognizes members who excel in our core program areas (Character and Leadership, Education and Technology, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation). From these children, a Member of the Month is selected. Of these Members of the Month, a Member of the Year is announced representing each of our Clubhouse and School Site locations. Each of these youth have qualities we look for as a potential Youth of the Year, the Clubs’ highest honor, and we’re eager to see what they accomplish over the next few years.

These are definitely kids you should keep your eye on!

Salvador Plancarte

Sophia Alvarado

Carolina Dominguez

Amelia Robley

Napa Clubhouse

McPherson School Site

Pueblo Vista School Site

Willow School Site

Melody Kondor

Stephanie Aguiar

Khalifia Young

Addison Ready

American Canyon Clubhouse

Napa Junction Site

Canyon Oaks Site

Napa Valley Language Academy Site

Napa Clubhouse

McPherson Site

Pueblo Vista Site

Willow Site

Salvador Plancarte

Sophie Alcantar

Arlo Valencia McGuire

Carmen Aguilera Villa

Kailani Medina Poueu

Fabian Lucas Rosas

Liliana Gonzalez Magaña

Raul Medrano

Camila Sanchez

James “JJ” Bush

Miguel Perez

Liliana Bernards

Brendan Fitz Gibbon

Daphnee Salinas

Charlotte Meade

Julia Delgado

Eric Romero

Ivan Sanchez

Noah Ryan

Paul Medrano

Katelyn Lincoln

Saleen Pimentel

Giselle Izarraras

Tristan Aken

Melissa Bermudez Sierra

Landon Munoz

Aramis Fuentes

Irvin Cruz

Emily Sullivan

Alexa Rojas

Carolina Domínguez

Riley White

Marco Rios

Sophia Alvarado

Emiliano Zepeda

Samuel Breedlove

Jazleen Camargo

Brian Mauricio

Isabelle Ayala

Daniel Zamora

Torianna Stevens

Evelyn Toscano

Reyes Diaz

Callan Benton

Max Sanchez

Bruno Reinaldo Ramirez

Alexa Leon

Amelia Robley

American Canyon Clubhouse

Napa Junction Site

Canyon Oaks Site

NVLA Site

Isaiah Guess

Lamont Chandler

Connor Parks

Leonardo Casho

Olivia Robey

Jayden Joseph Uy

Iyana Billings

Talia Cruz

Nayeli Real Salazar

Luna Huerta-Villalobos

Remi Robles

Aizlinn Bella Frayre

Anthony

Avery Hamilton

Dannica Ingram

Jonathan De Haro

Isabella Patio

Stephany Aguiar

Victoria Timpano

Simone Lacau

Adeline “AJ” Fleeger

Avanna Benn

Khalifa Young

Jazlyn Ramirez

Penelope Chavez

Aristides Hernandez-Raygoza

Michael Valdez

Johnny Rodriguez

Odalys De Leon

Victoria Hamilton

Isabella Barragan

Robert Bulman

Tyler Scott

Mazi Jordan Anderson

Forever Mason

Addison Ready

Wendy Fuentes

Harper Hattendorf

Liam Jon Taguiran

Natalia Castillo

Arlo Font

Rey Shaun Raymundo

Ana Paula Garcia

Jax Knecht

Rachel Wu

Alexis Bernabe

Sebastian Acuna

Maylani Edens Mendoz

Honorable Mentions: Youth of the Year Youth of the Year is a year long recognition and service program. Every week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley identifies teens who excel in our core program areas (Character and Leadership, Education and Technology, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation). From these teens, a Member of the Month is selected. Each of these youth have qualities we look for as a potential Youth of the Year, the Clubs’ highest honor, and we’re eager to see what they accomplish. These are definitely teens you should keep your eye on!

Club 1515 Napa Clubhouse

Club AC American Canyon

Jaime Sanchez

Melody Kondor

Aleia Hamilton

William Timpano

Pamela Sanchez

Iyana Billings

Angel Ortiz

Madilynn Davis

Miguel Rivera Medina

Leanna Uy

Edmundo Gonzalez

Jaymond Logan

Dareydy Rojas

Aman Patel

Azhley Gonzalez

Jeremiah Williams

Kyle Hadeler

Destiny Aguiar

Eduardo Coronado

Madison Murphy

Jazmin Valdonivos

Arlo Font

Titus Williamson

Rachel Wu

9

Tonight’s Youth of the Year Candidates

“The Art of Community” Art Show

Spring 2022 Come see art produced by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley’s Fine arts programs.

For more information Contact visit our website Here an click Events.

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Club 1515

Azhley Gonzalez, age 17

About Azhley

Azhley has been a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since Kindergarten where she first attended the McPherson site. She is currently a senior at Valley Oak High School and upon graduation plans to attend Napa Valley college and transfer to a 4-year university to pursue a degree in Political Science.

Club Member Since

2010

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2022 Letter of Recommendation As a high school teacher, I am asked to write a lot of letters of recommendation for students. I am always happy to comply, to share what I know of the talents of the young people in our small community at Valley Oak High School. I have never turned anyone down because, sometimes to a fault, I see talent everywhere. But today I have to throw all of that away to recommend someone very special.

To anyone trying to assess who Azhley is, I have to start with the fact that she is SUCH a unique individual, and bless her for it. Azhley was in my class during the first days of the COVID pandemic, and it was such an hard time for everyone, so alienating and disconnected, so whateverthe-opposite-is-of-being-human. It was in this environment of Zooming, meaningless names without faces, and uncomfortable silence, that I had the pleasure of getting to know Azhley better. Azhley brought her colorful and eccentric personality with her every single day and for that I credit her with preserving my sanity during what was a truly bizarre and difficult time.

Azhley is also an activist. She sees the world, senses its pain, and problematizes rather than accept its inequities at face value. She wants to be the change rather than experience it, and that is something I wish we could bottle and distribute to our young people. We need so much more of it.

Finally, and related to her being an activist, it is my sincere belief that Azhley will be an effective educator in her life. This is not to say she will be a teacher, though if she chooses that path she will be an incredible one, but whatever her professional role in this world, she will always use her compassion to empathize with anyone who needs support, anyone who is at the stage of “not-knowing” and help guide them to understanding. This is a skill Azhley possesses, this patience and care, this humility, that will bless those who populate her circles.

I understand Azhley seeks to participate in Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of The Year program as an advocate, a storyteller, and a guide. I cannot imagine a better individual for the task.

Sincerely, Ryan Strole Teacher, Valley Oak High School

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Club 1515

Jaime Sanchez, age 16

About Jaime

Jaime has been a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley for 3 years. He is currently a Junior at New Technology High School and upon graduation plans to pursue a technical degree in Informational Technology.

Club Member Since

2018

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2022

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

It is with great pleasure that I write to you about Jaime Sanchez. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jaime over the Summer and Fall of 2021, as he learned and led in the classroom, as well as in online classes. He has been very respectful in the Computer Science lab, especially when it comes to his peers.

Often times you can find him collaborating with them, helping them when they get stuck, or answering questions.

Jaime is very well spoken, and a go-getter, taking opportunities to better himself and his works through repetition. This is most evident in his first foray into 3D modeling and 3D printing in which he created a rendition of a sword pedestal from a game he enjoys, and turned it into a pen holder for the Digital Design class across the hall. In conclusion I highly recommend Jaime. If his performance in my class is any indication of his character, he will go incredibly far and is worth supporting.

Sincerely, Abraham Gottfried Computer Science Teacher, New Technology High

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Club 1515

Madilynn Davis, Age 14

About Madilynn

Madilynn Davis has been a member since 5th grade. She is currently a freshman at American Canyon High School. She plans on attending Stanford College or New York University and wants to become a nurse.

Club Member Since

2017

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2022 Letter of Recommendation

Dear Judges: It is with great pleasure that I am writing this reference at the request of Madilynn Davis, who I strongly believe is an ideal candidate for Youth of the Year. I have worked with her at the American Canyon Clubhouse for several years.

After spending any time working with her, the relationships she has built throughout the Club as well as the positive impact that she has on the students in her peer group is immediately apparent. She has an uncanny ability to inspire other young people in areas of her interest merely by being a passionate role model. While attending school via distanced learning at the Club during the pandemic, she created a book club that made an otherwise exhausting daily task enjoyable and more importantly, social. All the teen members were excited to read and share their interests with the larger group, which to that point had been fragmented. Breaking the ice and alleviating social isolation during COVID-19 was an incredible victory for the Club, it created a unity amongst the members that were apprehensive to branch out. They missed their friends and felt like they were missing out on a year they should have been spending with them. She was in 8th Grade, missing the last year of middle school, graduation, and all the things that come along with preparing for High School with your peers. Because of her efforts, the group bonded and made the best out of an incredibly difficult time.

Madilynn is an inspiration by nature, and her experiences at the Club have demonstrated that she will be an important asset anywhere she goes. Her patient compassion is magnetic and impossible to overlook. I believe that these qualities lend themselves to the successes she has and will continue to attain in her life.

As such I believe she will improve the lives of all she encounters, in whatever direction she decides to take her life, and therefore is an ideal candidate to represent the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley as their Youth of the Year.

In conclusion I would unequivocally recommend Madilynn without any reservations and am happy to make myself available to speak on her behalf if that is deemed necessary.

Sincerely, Austin Peletta

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Club 1515

Mikayla Grogan, Age 14

About Mikayla

Mikayla Grogan has been a member since kindergarten. She is currently a freshman at American Canyon High School. She plans on attending UC Davis and wants to become an architect.

Club Member Since

2012

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2022 Letter of Recommendation

Dear Judges, It is my pleasure and honor to recommend Mikayla for the Youth of the Year. I have known Mikayla for about 3 years and I am delighted to serve as their Program Staff here at the Boys and Girls Club. After reading through the criteria of the Youth of the Year, I strongly believe that you would struggle to find a student more deserving and more in need of it than Mikayla.

The Youth of the Year looks for students who can be leaders, succeed and inspire others around them to be better people.

Since I have known her, Mikayla has demonstrated a positive attitude and leadership skills on multiple occasions. In particular, there is not one task that Mikayla will not turn down or try. On a personal level, Mikayla is a young woman of strong character who fully embodies all the traits you look for in potential candidates.

Specifically, I am amazed by her adaptability and calm body when it comes to understanding the needs of our members here at the Boys and Girls Club. When helping with our younger members can sometimes be a struggle trying to find a solution, she is able to quickly resolve a problem with the help of Program Staff.

I have absolutely no reservations about recommending Mikayla for the Youth of the Year. I have no doubt she will uphold the standards of continuing to be a great leader for generations to come and become a shining member of your community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding her character, past academic work, or any other qualifications related to the Youth of the Year.

Sincerely, Tiffany Moyrong

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Club 1515

Kyle Hadeler, age 17

About Kyle

Kyle has been a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since the first grade. He is currently a senior at New Technology High School and upon graduation plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York to pursue a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Kyle is the founder and captain of the New Technology Highschool fencing team.

Club Member Since

2011

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2022 Letter of Recommendation To whom it may concern, The first thing that I noticed about Mr. Hadeler is his interest in learning new things. Within the first week of being enrolled in my World History and Psychology classes two years ago, Kyle approached me after class with questions about the topics we would be exploring that year. It was clear that he had done some of his own information gathering on both topics, and was openly excited about the coming opportunity to expand the breadth and depth of his knowledge. A curiosity about computers and technology drove him to explore that realm, leading to his taking on the role of Programming Lead of the Otterbots competitive robotics team. A similar curiosity led additionally to his membership with a local fencing academy. Perhaps most impressively, his willingness to further explore his interest in culinary arts led to an internship learning the ropes in the kitchen at the French Laundry, a three-Michelin-star French restaurant. A commitment to following through with his curiosities truly makes Mr. Hadeler who he is.

One of Mr. Hadeler’s most important characteristics is his commitment to growth. During the second week or so of my first year teaching Kyle, he approached me to let me know about some of his struggles. He was open about the fact that he struggled at times with attention, and wanted to make me aware of it in order to help support his own development of strategies to support himself. Throughout the year, he made a habit of waiting until after class to also mention when other struggles came up for him, whether they be with a current project, peers, or simply grappling with an ethical question. He has always actively solicited feedback, and is notable as a student looking for guidance rather than an easy grade point grab.

My favorite characteristic of Kyle’s, however, is his thoughtfulness and sense of humor. As a side effect of his curiosity, he has fairly nuanced opinions about quite a number of political and civil rights topics. Thanks to a sharp-witted capacity for satire, he is definitely one of my favorite students to talk to about such topics outside of class. Many students can be funny, and many others can be thoughtful, but I only know of Kyle on my list of students that can consistently score laughs from his jokes criticizing private prisons or unfair labor practices.

For these reasons, I would highly recommend Kyle Hadeler. His boundless curiosity, commitment to growth, and ability to alchemize his talents with a clever thoughtfulness are what truly make him shine. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Regards, Andrew J. Biggs New Technology High School

Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.

Club 1515

Jazmin Valdovinos, age 15

About Jazmin

Jazmin has been a member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley for 10 years. She is currently a sophomore at Vintage High School and upon graduation plans to attend Napa Valley college to pursue a 2-Year degree in criminal justice.

Club Member Since

2011

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2022 Letter of Recommendation To Whom It May Concern, My name is Joshua Sergeson, and I am the Teen Services Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. I am writing this letter to express my high opinion of Jazmin Valdavinos. I have worked directly with Jazmin for the last five years, and in that time, she has proven to be an asset to our organization.

For the past five years, Jazmin has been a consistent and reliable leader of many of our teen programs. She has brought great energy and leadership that has helped elevate our volunteers and teen mentors where she currently acts as a Keystone Leader in The Club. In her time with the program, I have not only witnessed her find a voice and learn how to use to inspire social justice, but I have also seen an incredible transformation in her confidence and character. Jazmin has transformed from someone who followed the lead of others into someone who has found her why in life and uses her strong abilities to encourage others to serve their community and make a positive impact in the lives of the next generation.

Her perseverance to this point is what happens when you expect more, we have members everyday who do what they can to help but Jazmin has gone the extra mile to make the most of her time with our program. Her leadership among youth and her peers is truly remarkable.

Young women like her are what make our programs truly unique and her efforts will be felt within those she has inspired for years.

I am confident that Jazmin will succeed and continue to a model advocate for her community. She has the desire, motivation, and personal perseverance that it takes to be successful in anything she puts her mind to. I know that if given opportunity to represent The Club as Youth of The Year she will make everyone around her better.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you, Joshua Sergeson Teen Services Director Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley

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