Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills Prepare to Honor Monrovia Youth

The Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills is preparing to honor its Youth of the Year candidates. 

The club provided the following news release about the Monrovia students and others to be recognized at the upcoming ceremony:

On Thursday, February 6th, three local Youth of the Year candidates will be recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills for their outstanding contributions to their community, and one will be named the 2014 Youth of the Year. Presented by DoubleTree by Hilton – Monrovia and chaired by Donna Baker, the ceremony will take place from 5:30-7:00 pm, in the ballroom of the DoubleTree at 924 W. Huntington Drive. The event is open to the public, though reservations are required. 

Established in 1947, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program recognizes Club members who, with the help of their Club, have met obstacles head-on and, despite the odds, have given back to their Club and community. Youth of the Year winners demonstrate service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.

Our local Youth of the Year winner receives a $500 scholarship and then goes on to compete at the County level, and if selected, at the state level. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners receive $10,000 scholarships and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States. 

This year’s local honorees include Donye Neal, a senior at Canyon Oaks High School, Samantha Rodarte, and Margarita Sandoval, both seniors at Monrovia High School. 

“I am so proud of these three remarkable young people, who have contributed so significantly to our community and demonstrate exceptional character, even in the midst of some very tough personal challenges,” says John Wilson, Executive Director. “Our judges had a difficult task in selecting a winner, and I’m glad I didn’t have to make that decision.”

In early January, the three candidates presented a 3-minute speech to a panel of nine judges, who scored their presentations based on three key areas:  Service, Character, and Leadership. Monrovia Mayor, Mary Ann Lutz, sat on the panel of judges. “I was so moved by their stories, and blown away by the influence that BGCF has had on their paths. Each of these candidates represents a life that has been forever changed by a Boys & Girls Club. Amazing things can happen when our youth, regardless of their circumstances, can access the support they need to gain the confidence to believe in their abilities and go after their dreams.”

Mayor Lutz was joined on the judges panel by business and community leaders Monte Baier, Dan Edwards, Imy Dulake, Richard Dulake, John Lewis, Deanne Lewis, Larry Spicer and Chris Suchanek. 

In addition to the Youth of the Year award, BGCF also honors individuals and business that have been instrumental in the Club’s success. This year, BGCF will be recognizing Panda Express, America’s favorite Chinese restaurant, with the “Community Partner of the Year” award for its continued commitment to the BGCF with ongoing professional guidance and support in addition to its sponsorship of our annual holiday party. 

“Rooted in nearby Pasadena, Panda is honored to serve and give back to our communities, especially to those that share our common value of empowering everyone to achieve their greatest possibilities,” states Monte Baier, Senior VP and General Counsel for Panda Restaurant Group and member of the BGCF Board of Directors. “We are humbled by this recognition and on behalf of our 24,000 associates, we commend the BGCF for the tangible impact it is having on youth in our community.”

BGCF is also honoring “Volunteer of the Year,” Denise Weaver, and “Employee of the Year,” Hayley Vasquez.

Longtime BGCF supporter, Donna Baker, is chairing the event. “As a local business owner, I believe strongly in the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. Our youth are our future, and we cannot underestimate their value in society. We must invest in them, both emotionally and financially, so that they can develop into thriving adults who are engaged in their communities and represent the best of humanity.”

Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills opened its doors in 1994 in response to high levels of delinquency, juvenile crime, and drug use among youth in the densely populated, multi-ethnic areas of Monrovia and Duarte in Los Angeles County. Their mission is to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. BGCF serves 300 youth at two sites daily, and plans to open a third site in 2014, to accommodate a rapidly growing waiting list. For more information, visit www.foothillsbgc.org.

To make a reservation to attend the Youth of the Year awards ceremony on February 6 at the DoubleTree, please email Amanda Navar, Director of Development, at anavar@foothillsbgc.org.