FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Media Contact
Brynja Seagren, CEO
310.361.8500 x207
LOCAL TEEN’S ORIGINAL SONG RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION FOR YOUTH
Ricardo, Member at Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, Wins Recognition in National Arts Contest for Song Recorded at the Club
Santa Monica, Calif. — For Ricardo, a local teen, music provides a creative outlet and a safe space. Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica (SMBGC) is proud to announce that Ricardo, a member at the Mar Vista Gardens Boys & Girls Club, has been recognized as a 2024-25 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Arts Contest winner.
Ricardo’s original composition, Twilight, earned top honors in the Digital Arts Ages 16-18 category. The song represents what Ricardo describes as “an escape from a harsh reality,” progressing through “phases of chaos, ultimately ending in pure stillness.” Listen to the song at www.smbgc.org/twilight.
“Music allows me to express myself,” Ricardo shared. “The listener should feel like they’re fighting their way through chaos in order to find true peace.”
Ricardo’s song was recorded at the music production studio at the Mar Vista Gardens Club. This Club location operates in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA).
Music production is just one of the many arts programs Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica provides for kids and teens at 11 locations across LA’s Westside.
“The programs happening across our Clubs allow our kids to explore a wide variety of visual, digital, and performance arts experiences. These holistic programs offer expansive opportunities for growth throughout childhood and adolescence.” said Brynja Seagren, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica. “From fine motor skill development to expressing emotion to building resilience, we see kids and teens benefitting immensely from the arts.”
Arts programming plays a critical role in SMBGC’s mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential. This creative expression provides essential outlets for youth to process emotions, build self-confidence, and develop communication skills. For many Club members, these creative opportunities offer a structured way to navigate challenges and build resilience. These arts experiences also help youth discover potential career pathways in creative industries while developing the confidence, discipline, and communication skills valued by employers across all sectors.
“We are committed to including the arts as part of our general programs now and in the future,” Seagren added.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica programs, including arts initiatives, visit www.smbgc.org.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
For more than 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 smbgc.org.
