2024 Youth of the Year

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

February 7th, 2024 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Uptown Theater

Learn More at

1350 Third Street Napa, CA 94559

www.beGREATnv.org/ events/yoy

Presented by:

After Party 8:00pm - 10:00pm Cole’s Chop House Be sure to say “I’m with the Club”

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 Director, Thank you so much for joining us tonight for our 14th 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 you’re 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 to 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 spaces in between.

When they were hungry, we came prepared with snacks. When they needed help with homework, they found 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 you’re seeing tonight is the tangible magic of lives shaped, nurtured, and supported by a community of dedicated and heartfelt people at the Boys & Girls Club. 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 our Teen Programs and through our elementary school programs. These teens have invested weeks in mentoring, volunteering, and crafting their message with staff and advisors. Of the over 5,000 youth that walk through our doors every year, only a handful are offered the opportunity to participate tonight. 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 $1000, with the over all champion receiving an additional $3,000 in scholarship.

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

$10,000

Taylor Family Foundation: $4,000 Kevin Sanchez: $2,000

John Coleman $2,000

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.

$2,000

Finalists from across California will compete for one of three spots to move forward.

State media coverage in radio, print and TV. Meet & Greet with State Legislators

$4,000

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 Regional conference.

$5,000

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 & TV.

$10,000

Tonight’s People Master of Ceremonies: Opening Remarks: Closing Remarks:

Jaime Gallegos, Director of Operations, BGCNV Abel Guillen, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, CDE Greg Bouillerce, Executive Director, BGCNV

Judges Lon Gallagher, Senior Manager Public Relations, E&J Gallo Winery

Joelle Gallagher, District 1 Supervisor, County of Napa Rosanna Mucetti Ed. D. Superintendent, Napa Valley Unified School District Elaine Taylor, President and Chairman, Taylor Family Foundation Shawna Terry, Board President, BGCNV Rhonda Walker, Board Member, BGCNV Event at a glance PROGRAM PART 1 Welcome: Jaime Gallegos Opening Remarks: Abel Guillen, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, CDE Youth of the Year Speeches Candidate 1: Mikayla Grogan

“Speak Up”

Candidate 2: William Perez

“I was, I am, I will”

Candidate 3: Melody Kondor

“Everything and Everywhere”

Candidate 4: Laizah Coronado

“This is not your typical fairy tale”

Candidate 5: Audrey Aliga

“Home’s Where We Connect”

Candidate 6: Edmundo Gonzalez

“Dare to be Different”

Candidate 7: Madilynn Davis

“For A Better Future”

15 Minute Intermission PROGRAM PART 2 Closing Remarks: Greg Bouillerce, Executive Director, BGCNV Youth of the Year Presentation: Greg Bouillerce, Shawna Terry, Abel Guillen

We love sharing data points and since July 1 of 2021, the Club’s publications have reached over 40,000 people locally. Over 9,000 individuals have spent time clicking through our magazines, resulting in thousands of unique clicks to our website or social media pages. That’s important because, as you know, Napa is a small community and when people visit our website or review these publications, they want to know who is helping to make this work possible and whether you’re a parent, a participant or a sponsor, that continues to be you; so, THANK YOU!

Learn More

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.

These are definitely kids you should keep your eye on!

Leilani Corona Barcenas

Logan Brandt

Emmanuel Martinez

Sebastian Jimenez

Napa Clubhouse Melissa Martinez Alex Flores Landon Crane Ulises Coronado Leilani Corona Barcenas Michelle Juarez Sofia Sanchez Blake Hall Makena Ortiz LJ Bernardo Paulino Iker Guerrero Samantha Lopez

Browns Valley Site Gaetano Lefler Zeke Gosnell Luca Ballotta Scarlet Sill Camellia Harrison Daniel Birkbeck Logan Brandt Evelyn Blakely Charlotte Gomez Audrey Coy Colton Jones Cristiano Oliverio

McPherson Site Julisa Lopez Paloma Ortiz Litzy Alverez Josiah De La Alan Marin Rey Morales Michelle Guzman James Bush Emmanuel Martinez Penelope Rosales William Cabral Analiyah De La

NVLA Site Emilia Hall Camilia Betancourt Talia Cruz Selene Mendoza Magdaleno Vicente Navarro Jacob Aquino Luca Gonzalez Sebastian Jimenez Mateo Aguirre Aliah Aguilar Lopez Simone Lacau Sophia Anguiano Hurtado

Are you ready to learn more about the programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?! Check out a full list of programs we offer by following

the QR Code to the right or just click:

!

Jessica Kreitz

Milah Healer

Pueblo Vista Site

Willow Site

Redwood Site

Unidos Site

Ryan Cyrus Teagan McGinness August Bright Victoria Toscano Hudson Ready Jacqueline Gonzalez Martinez Mia Soto Giovanni Gonzalez Martinez Katherine Torres Soriano Adeline Osborne William “Fitz” Russell Remi Ryan

Victoria Ayala Liliana Bernards Savanna Felsch Julian Torres Maria Ramirez Veronica Medina Carmen Aguilera Villa Jessica Kreitz Lucca Jensen Emma Lona Daniel Zamora Ronaldo Hurtado

Eric Almanza Jayden Juarez Jandro Canones Giselle Calderon Ashton Muensterman Eliany Rodriguez Amaya Flores Milah Healer Selena Corona Katelyn Guillen Jesse Sanchez Brandon Solorio

Anthony Olvera Zoe Aquino Hector Covarrubias Camila Sanchez Ava Osborne Geraldynn Aguilar Sullivan Bright Joey Ortega Elisa Negrete Michael Salazar Miguel Marron Kaitlyn Perry

Odalys De Leon

Ana Puala Luna Garcia

Alexander Thompson

Valeria De Leon

AC Clubhouse

Canyon Oaks Site

Napa Junction Site

AC Site

Antonio Andres Carter Ramos Adelyn McGough Astian Andrews Jr Cristobal Rizo Lopez Alice Quisenberry Elanor Bell Samuel Barela Odalys De Leon Enzo Bourema Armaan Bajwa Alex Valencia

Diego Azpeita Malia Howell Keyli Gonzalez Liam Jon Taguiran Isabelle Coffin Sofia Lopez Gabriel Eyzaguirre James “Kai” Canilao Remi Robles Ana Puala Luna Garcia Shavon Reddic Marie Porter

Luna Huerta-Villalobos Jocelyn Laird Lisbeth Perez-Martinez Leo Reyes Adael Reyes-Martinez Oliver Perez-Espinoza Rommyna Sanchez Josephine Mueller Camila Perez-Diaz Alexander Thompson Victoria Herrera Dawn Bonner

Lucia Glery Audrey Aliga Lamont Chandler Dashawn "Cash" Greene Isaiah Baker Mya Burnette Destiny Abigail Forever Mason Ramirez Badillo David Gutierrez Jamir Sherwani Valeria De Leon

Giovanni Gonzalez Martinez

Sergio Alvarez

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

Mariana Coronado

Lucia Glery Gutierrez

Jenay Williamson

Audrey Aliga

Yair Aleman

Madilynn Davis

Jorge Brito

Dashawn "Cash" Greene

Lealin Lek

Melody Kondor

Samir Martinez

Mya Burnette

Laizah Coronado

Mikayla Grogan

Paola Barajas

Forever Mason

Joaquin Sanchez

Lisa Badillo Ramirez

Edmundo Gonzalez

David Gutierrez

Graciela Escobedo

Jamir Sherwani

William Perez

Valeria De Leon

“The Art of Community” Art Show

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

For more information Contact visit our website www.BeGreatnv.org and click Events.

Joel graduated from the University of California San Francisco with a degree in communications. While driving in 2023, he stopped to assist someone who had been involved in a car accident and in helping them decided to return to school this time to train as a nurse. Well done Joel!

Jahir attended Napa Junior college and worked briefly as a staff at the Boys & Girls Club. He returned to the Club this past fall to participate in the Teen Center’s “Friendsgiving” event.

Dareydy has a transcendent vibrance and energy. That’s probably why our judges were so taken with her performance as the 2021 youth of the year which took place virtually. As our Youth of the Year she represented the Club in radio interviews and at various speaking events in the Valley.

Azhley, with her tenacious work ethic, graduated early from Valley Oak High School with honors and is currently pursuing a career with the United States Marine Corps. While she awaits boot camp, she continues as a full-time employee and barista at Pete’s coffee in Napa.

Dareydy captivated the audience at the 2023 event, inspiring those present to discover their individual rhythm and fully embrace their true selves in order to pursue their dreams. As a recent high school graduate, Dareydy has begun her journey as a young adult and is presently enrolled in Napa Community College while working at the Club.

Tonight’s Youth of the Year Candidates

Mikayla Grogan

William Perez

Melody Kondor

Laizah Coronado

Club AC

Club 1515

Club AC

Club 1515

Audrey Aliga Club AC

Edmundo Gonzalez Club 1515

Madilynn Davis

Club AC

Want to say congratulations after the event? All of our Candidates will be headed over to Cole’s for dinner. Join us at Cole’s Chop house! Please Reserve your spot for the After Party here and be sure to type "I'm with the Club" in the special request box to be seated close to our party. Cole’s has even offered to donation a portion of your bill back to the Boys & Girls Club!

These youth are AMAZING aren’t they? We’ve created a portal on our website for you to share your thoughts with them after tonight’s event. Tell them how their story resonated with you. Encourage them to achieve their goals. Send them a note of congratulations. Just follow the QR code or visit our website at www.BeGreatNV.org/ YOY and click “Add Your Comment!”

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

Club AC

Mikayla Grogan, age 16

About Mikayla

Mikayla has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley since 2012 where they attended Donaldson Way Elementary. They are currently a sophomore at American Canyon High School and plan to attend UC Davis to pursue a degree in Architecture.

Club Member Since

2012

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter in support of Mikayla Grogan.

Mikayla is a good student with a 4.0 GPA. She takes variety of courses including AP Biology, Musical Theater, Honors Math 3 and Leadership. Mikayla is a diligent student who balances school and extracurricular activities well.

For extra curricular activities, Mikayla is involved in student leadership, varsity swim team, Dance Club, and the Black Student Union (BSU). Student leadership plans, organizes, and runs student activities and announcements on campus. They organize dances and rallies, on top of spirit days to increase morale of the school.

Varsity swim team is a multiple hour commitment during the week and on weekends. Dance club meets to rehearse and learn various dances, usually in the K-pop realm. And the BSU creates a welcoming environment on campus for all students and organizes events to include and celebrate people of color. Mikayla is also in a Musical Theater class that will create, produce, advertise, act in, and direct a spring musical, Legally Blond.

In addition to all of the hours Mikayla puts in during school and after school, Mikayla has started a Oreo Truffle business (established in February 2023), encouraged by Boys and Girls Club staff. During the summer, Mikayla and her business partners had a pop-up booth at our town street fair that was held once a month in the summer months. Mikayla and her partners created the truffles, came up with as business plan, got a business license, and sold truffles to the community.

Mikayla has positively impacted our American Canyon community, both at the high school and in town. I personally have known Mikayla since she was seven years old and have watched her grow into a responsible young person. She always greets me with a smile, and calls me over to say hi if she sees me at an event. All of these reasons are why I think Mikayla would be a great representative for the Boys and Girls Club, Youth of the Year.

Best, Julianna Howell CST (Credentialed Support Teacher) and Mathematics Specialist

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

Club 1515

William Perez, age 17

About William

William has been a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2018 when he joined our programs at The Napa Clubhouse as a 5th Grader. He is currently a senior at Access Alternative High school and upon graduation plans to pursue a degree in Music Theory and a career as a musician.

Club Member Since

2018

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To Whom it May Concern, William Perez personifies all the qualities that one would hope for in a Club member within our organization, the type of trail blazer and forward thinker we need more have in our community and an ideal advocate for the next generation who’s not afraid to be himself. As the Teen Services Director I have had the honor of seeing William’s Club journey come full circle, going from a struggling with isolation during the pandemic, to reconnecting with his peers and to now feeling the joy he has gained inside that reverberates throughout the teen center walls every day. It is with great confidence that I recommend William for the title of Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley's Youth of the Year.

I have seen many teens come and go and witnessed many transformations over the year but Williams’s willingness to never lose hope through obstacles and the level of kindness he has continued to share with himself and others along the way is one that will always stand out to our organization, and we are excited for him to take the opportunity to share his story with the world. From a staffs point of view it is simply youth and journeys like Williams that inspire the work we get to do every day.

William is currently a senior at Vintage High School and upon graduation plans to study Music Theory and pursue his dream of helping others feel understood through his music as a professional musician. Williams’s growth mindset, confidence and increased participation throughout his experience at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley has him well on his way to making that dream a reality. This year he plans to release his first ever music project, has started his very own band in the Teen Center and has created a deepening connection with those around him that has helped him grow into the leader he is becoming today.

What set him apart this year, was his eagerness to find a unique ways that he could contribute and use all that he had learned during his times of struggle to inspire other teens to break free of the barriers that depression and anxiety create and show others there is hope out there in the right people who will embrace you.

Like he has done for others, a platform such as Youth of the Year has the potential to take William’s leadership and message to the next level, allowing him to be an example for all Club members that they, too, will have a great future.

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

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

Club AC

Melody Kondor, age 16

About Melody

Melody has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley since 2015 where she attended Donaldson Way Elementary. She is currently a sophomore at American Canyon High School and plans to apply to Stanford University.

Club Member Since

2015

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To Whom it May Concern, It is my pleasure to be writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Melody Kondor. As her school counselor, I had the opportunity to get to know Melody since the beginning of her freshman year at American Canyon High School (ACHS). If there are three words that I can use to describe her, Melody is driven, resilient, and passionate when working towards her personal and academic goals.

In speaking to Melody’s academic strengths, she has shown to be a student of high character and special commitment. Throughout her high school career, she has earned herself exceptional academic marks, maintaining a 4.39 GPA during the past year and a half of her education. During these school learning years, Melody sought to challenge herself by taking various Honors and Advanced Placement courses while also excelling in Napa Valley College courses via Dual Enrollment. In sharing space together and learning of her post-secondary goals, Melody often speaks of her college-bound pathways and ambitions that will one day see her grow into a role in medicine either as an Endocrinologist or Surgeon.

Truly, I look forward to learning of Melody’s future accomplishments and what directions her passions take in life.

Within our high school, special significance is placed on students to explore meaningful community impact opportunities and Melody has taken on this task in stride. Melody has worked as a Boys and Girls Club Volunteer, where she has clocked in at minimum 10 hours per week on average. She also has volunteered with the Thirst Project and as a tutor for Mu Alpha Theta. Additionally, she currently holds the leadership position of Secretary for the ACHS Track Team. Finally, she has been a part of various groups and clubs, both inside and outside of the ACHS community, such as Key Club, Science National Honors Society, Teen Tutoring and Choir, all of which participate in some form of community service.

In speaking to her personal character, Melody has shown to be a person of both integrity and genuineness. These past two school years I believe I have gotten to know Melody well, and I continue to be drawn in by her mature reasoning and decision-making. She is able to remain calm in stressful situations and is one of the most level headed teenagers that I know; in fact, I often call on Melody to run ideas and presentations by before rolling them out to the rest of her class– that is the level of trust and aptitude that I have in her. Her strong sense of duty towards her community and future, while meeting the high expectations of her parents and herself, is inspirational.

In conclusion, Melody Kondor has my strongest recommendation for consideration of Youth of The Year for the American Canyon Boys and Girls Club.

Please feel free to contact me if you believe you need additional information on this exceptional student.

Sincerely, Lilliana Zmed Counselor for the Class of 2026 American Canyon High School

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

Club 1515

Edmundo Gonzalez, age 16

About Edmundo

Edmundo has been a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2013, joining our programs as a member of the McPherson elementary school site. He is currently a Junior at Vintage High school and upon graduation plans to pursue a degree in Kinesiology and is excited about having the opportunity to live out his lifelong dream of playing professional soccer.

Club Member Since

2013

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To Whom it May Concern, January 5, 2024, To Whom It May Concern: On behalf of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, it is a honor to write this letter of recommendation for Edmundo Gonzalez as he pursues the title of Youth of the Year. I have had the opportunity to mentor Edmundo over the last six years and over time he has become a transformational leader within our organization.

As a junior at Vintage high school, Edmundo is a student athlete and captain of the Varsity Boys Soccer team. As an active member of our Club 1515 teen center he is one our most impactful Teen Volunteers. He has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley for 11 years and over that time has shown and built upon a natural ability to lead others, create a positive culture and inspire these attributes in others.

Edmundo has always been a stand out member. He embodies our mission as someone we can always count on to step up when our Club and his peers need it most. This year, he has grown immensely as a leader outside of the Club. He advocates with his peers to get them more involved in our programs and finds creative ways to give back to his community.

His heart is shown in his service of others. He has accumulated over 100 hours of volunteer service this year. He proactively took on a mentor role younger kids within the Club. He even developed a youth soccer training program for our elementary and middle school members. That program exposed our membership soccer fundamentals, but really emphasized the importance of teamwork and leadership on and off the field.

Members like Edmundo are the heart of our Club and make our programs truly impactful. His leadership at the Club and in the community is truly remarkable. I am proud of his commitment to improve as a leader and I am confident that he would be an ideal candidate for Youth of the Year, which would position him to inspire generations of leaders by challenging them to be great.

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

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

Club AC

Audrey Aliga, age 14

About Audrey

Audrey joined the Club upon moving to American Canyon with her family in 2019. She is a current freshman at American Canyon High School and hopes to graduate as valedictorian before becoming an architect to reduce the lack of affordable housing and design homes for those who don’t have access to them.

Club Member Since

2019

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To Whom it may concern, It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Audrey Aliga as a candidate to receive the Youth of the Year reward.

I am Angelica Claudio. Currently, I work as an Independent Facilitator with the Napa Valley School District along with running a martial arts program for students of diverse ages. Before my position with NVUSD, I had the opportunity to work under the Boys and Girls Club organization for a collective six years. Throughout those years, I was given the chance to witness Audrey flourish into the individual she is now.

Audrey has been a part of the Boys & Girls Club family for several years, as well as her younger sibling. During her time at the American Canyon Clubhouse, Audrey has shown kindness for fellow members and respect for themselves and towards others. Throughout my employment with Boys and Girls Club, I was known to run art programs for the students at American Canyon. When a project was discussed or planned, Audrey exhibited elation and fervor. She was deeply innovative, considerate and open to the extensive possibilities the visual arts can offer.

Along with her own eagerness, Audrey has consistently honed her craft.

She has also been competent at making others feel equally excited about a project while also offering to aid others in their creative endeavors. Her down-to-earth personality and inspiring vitality is contagious; it was always a joy to see others joining her enthusiasm.

Audrey is a hard worker who aims to complete any undertaking as well as supporting her fellow peers to do the same. Overall, Audrey demonstrates sincerity, grace and honor that I feel many youth should follow to the best of their abilities. She is a brilliant member of the Boys & Girls Club, and I believe Audrey would be a wondrous candidate for Youth of the Year.

Sincerest regards, Angelica Claudio Independent Facilitator of NVUSD

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

Club 1515

Laizah Coronado, Age 16

About Laizah

Laizah has been a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2014 when she joined our programs at The Napa Clubhouse as a 1st Grader. She is currently a Junior at Napa High school and upon graduation plans to pursue a degree in Psychology as a pathway to a career in Mental Health Services.

Club Member Since

2014

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To Whom it May Concern, It is with the highest regard that I write this letter of recommendation for Laizah Coronado as she pursues the title of Youth of the Year. Laizah has been a member of our organization since the 1st grade and is currently an active member and Teen Mentor of the Club 1515 Teen Center program.

As a junior at Napa High School, Laizah aspires to pursue a career in Mental Health Services. I can say confidently that Laizah has an incredibly positive impact on The Club. Over the last 11 years she has demonstrating a strong commitment to service by becoming a leader in the community and actualizing that leadership alongside her peers.

As a young girl at the Boys & Girls Club, Laizah struggled with self confidence; she always doubted herself and her abilities. She has overcome those early struggles and today serves in the role of Keystone president. She was recently the winner of the Ford Driving Dreams essay contest. She was a nominee for the National Teen Recruit of the Year award. She has grown through these experiences to become a young woman who pushes her peers to grow and step outside of their comfort zones.

This year, Laizah’s growth was on full display as she embraced an opportunity to be an ambassador of the club to teens. She understands the vital importance of fostering an inclusive community and took it upon herself to open door for others so that they might contribute to and benefit from a great club experience. Laizah has been instrumental in bringing new Teens to The Club through planning weekly “We Own Friday Events”, Lock-ins, the Great Future’s Road Trip, and designing monthly community-based teen night outs and service projects. Beyond the numbers she has shown our community that The Club is a place for teens, a place where they can learn, grow, and thrive!

Laizah is kind, honest, and the embodiment of what it means to be a Club kid.

She is committed to improving the mental health and confidence of the next generation and I believe that as a Youth of the year she would continue to do whatever it takes to inspire a community of productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Thank you, Joshua Sergeson Teen Services Director

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

Club AC

Madilynn Davis, age 16

About Madilynn

Madilynn has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley since 2017. She was one of the Clubs most dedicated members, attending all through the pandemic and relying on the Club to help her cope with distance learning.

Currently a Junior at American Canyon High School, she hopes to become a nurse and will always be an advocate for those who feel unheard, heard.

Club Member Since

2017

Club Engagement

Extra Curriculars

2024

PRESENTED BY Letter of Recommendation

To Whom It May Concern, It is my privilege to write this letter of recommendation for Madilynn Davis as she pursues the Boys and Girls Club “Youth of the Year” award. Madilynn is currently a junior at American Canyon High School located in American Canyon, California. As a freshman, Madilynn was a student in my physical education and health class. She is currently serving as a track & field student athlete in our athletic program that I oversee. I have also had the privilege of knowing Madilynn personally for the past 11 years. She has excelled in all that she has done at our school, all while maintaining above a 4.0 GPA and being an exceptional member of our ACHS community!

Like I mentioned, Madilynn has maintained a 4.0 GPA or above so far in all semesters at American Canyon High School. She has been an active member in our school and community. She is a member of the ACHS Drama program, Speech and Debate club, Medical club, UNICEF club, Science National Honor Society and a member of our Track and Field team. Madilynn is also in the process of serving in the Kaiser Volunteer program. Through all of these programs and clubs, Madilynn has shown great leadership, hard work and dedication.

In all of my personal interactions with Madilynn, she has demonstrated to be a young woman of great character, intelligence, motivation and talent. She continues to display great leadership skills and a great work ethic that every teacher or leader hopes for from their students. During the time that Madilynn spent in my class, she was a great student and always gave great effort in all that we did. She displays a great attitude in the classroom and with her peers on our campus. Madilynn Davis is an amazing asset to any program that she is part of and I highly recommend her for the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year! She will make you proud just as she has made myself, all of American Canyon High School and our community proud!

Sincerely, Melissa Shimer American Canyon High School Director of Athletics Physical Education & Health Teacher

Support our Community Campaign and help us continue connecting kids and families in Napa Valley. Your support ensures that our free monthly events like this one can thrive.

This year, we face a challenge: the Fine Arts Show, Stem Showcase, and Great Futures Road Trip have NO sponsors. If you're interested in a title sponsorship opportunity, check out events by visit our website at www.begreatnv.org! We can't do it without you!

Youth of the Year

March Madness

Fine Arts Show

Stem Showcase

February 7, 2024

March 25, 2024

April 22,2024

May 29, 2024

Graduation Night

Great Futures Road Trip

Back2School Block Party

AC Halloween Carnival

June 5, 2024

June 25, 2024

August 10, 2024

October 31st, 2024

NCH Halloween Carnival

Friendsgiving

Merry Meritage

Santa Train

October 31, 2024

November 16, 2024

November 27, 2024

December 11, 2024

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising events and Click “Sponsor this event.” Just use the QR code or visit us at www.BeGREATNV.org

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