FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Media Contact
Brynja Seagren, CEO
310.361.8500 x207
LOCAL TEEN REACHES FINAL ROUND OF STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND EXCELLENCE COMPETITION, LOOKS TO MOVE TO NATIONAL COMPETITION
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Youth of the Year advances to compete for California Youth of the Year title.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 8 – Each year, thousands of teens at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country compete in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year competitions with the ultimate goal of becoming Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson.
This year, one Santa Monica teen has his sights set on the honor. Jayson B., who has been a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica for 11 years, just found out he has been awarded the LA County Youth of the Year and will be advancing to compete for California Youth of the Year.
The Youth of the Year competition is an opportunity for Club members to be recognized for their leadership, service, academics, and dedication to living healthy lifestyles. They spend hours preparing their applications, practicing their public speaking skills, and writing persuasive essays as part of the competition.
Jayson is dedicated to making a difference—at the Club, at his school, and in his community.
“I want to build a future where kids aren’t scared of entering into unknown waters. I want to build the roads for many future generations to follow,” he shared.
He has been a leader in his Club for many years, even serving as Vice President and President of the Keystone Club (a leadership and service organization) at Mar Vista Gardens. Through Keystone, Jayson worked with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to educate his peers about water conservation and energy efficiency. He also partnered with the UCLA Center for Community Engagement on a research project: How can the bad perception of the Mar Vista Garden community change?
“In the project, we interviewed and laid out the blueprint to challenge the current negative perspective of the community and encourage people that change can be better for uplifting marginalized communities,” Jayson explained.
Jayson has big dreams for his future. He plans to become a commercial pilot, blazing a trail that encourages other Latinos to enter the aviation industry.
As he advances through the Youth of the Year competition, Jayson is earning scholarship money to help him make his dream of aviation college a reality.
“Every member of the team here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica is cheering for Jayson as he advances to the next round. It is an immense honor to provide thousands of kids like Jayson each year with the opportunities that help them achieve their greatest potential,” said Brynja Seagren, SMBGC CEO.
For Jayson, and kids like him, Clubs are a conduit to great futures.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
For 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica has been a community-based organization where kids find a safe space during the critical time spent outside of school to become inspired, build relationships, and learn how big a role they play in their community and their future. Our aspirations for young people focus on workforce readiness, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership. Learn more at www.smbgc.org.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
For 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica has been a community-based organization where kids find a safe space during the critical time spent outside of school to become inspired, build relationships, and learn how big a role they play in their community and their future. Our aspirations for young people focus on workforce readiness, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership.
