Community Spotlight, Releases

43^rd Annual Awards Banquet Recognizes Santa Monica High School Junior and 6-year Club member

Santa Monica, Calif., Feb. 5, 2010 – Brittany Quach’s ambition to succeed, leadership in service and drive to be GREAT earned her the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can achieve. The 16-year-old honors student was named 2010 Youth of the Year (YOY) for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica before a full house at the Olympic Collection for the 43^rd Annual Awards Banquet.

The Youth of the Year (YOY) program honors deserving members who have demonstrated leadership, achieved academic and/or personal success, and have lent a helping hand to Club staff, as well as their families, school, and community. As the SMBGC Youth of the Year, Quach will be considered to proceed to the Los Angeles, California and national YOY competitions. She is also eligible to receive a number of scholarships along the way.

“The Annual Youth of the Year banquet is truly one of the most memorable times of the year for us at the Boys & Girls Clubs because it highlights the impact we have on the young people we serve,” said Aaron Young, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica. “Brittany is a great example of a young person who, through hard work and determination, has overcome obstacles in her quest to Be Great. We congratulate her – and her fellow nominees – on their accomplishments.”

Five young people were nominated and competed to be the SMBGC Youth of the Year. The runners-up were:

• Kaitlyn Nickel, a Senior at Santa Monica High School who aspires to be a Youth Minister.
• Zuri Smith, a Senior at City Honors High School who aspires to be a Sport Trainer.
• Micah Williams, a Senior at Venice High School, who aspires to be a Graphic Artist.
• Nicole Tehrani, a Senior at University High School, who aspires to be a Psychologist.

The President of Keystone Club and a Jr. Staff at the Club Quach was selected YOY for her outstanding scholastic achievement, dedication to higher education, service to community, contributions to her family and overcoming challenging obstacles. “Because of the Club I have the ability to create a path toward reaching my dreams, instead of chasing them,” said Quach.  “The Club has shaped me to be who I am today – an optimistic person who is determined to be GREAT.”

During the ceremony, Youths of the Year were named for each of the Club’s departments, Club Branches and age groups. The 43^rd Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Youth of the Year banquet featured Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski and SMBGC alumnus and U.S. Foreign Service Officer Syga Thomas as guest speakers; they shared stories meant to inspire the young people in the room. Deb Carson, Fox Sports Radio Host and big supporter of all the Boys & Girls Clubs in the Los Angeles area served as emcee for the event. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica was the banquet’s Title Sponsor. Allan & Sally Young and the Pacific Youth Foundation were Gold Sponsors. El Pollo Loco, Pacific Park, White & Company, Guidance, Microsoft, Robert Levy and Frank Schwengel were silver sponsors. Pictage was an in-kind sponsor, providing photography services during the event.

About The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica

Founded in 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica currently serves more than 7,000 youth through memberships and community outreach.  They come from all over Los Angeles County, largely from Santa Monica, Venice, West Los Angeles and Inglewood.  Members pay a $20 annual fee for access to all Club amenities and programs that span across education, leadership, recreation and more.  The Club operates with the objective of serving children from all backgrounds, regardless of economic circumstances – ensuring that youth ages 7 to 18 have a safe and nurturing environment to develop socially, succeed in school, stay physically active and prepare for positive futures.  For more information, visit us at www.begreatsantamonica.org, or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/smbgcfan) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/SMBGC).

CONTACT: Jennifer Vides jvides@smbgc.org or 310.361.8520